International circuit racing is set to make a major return to the Bushy Park next month, as Barbados prepares to host a round of the GT Challenge de las Américas for the first time.
The two-day event — from August 29-30 — branded locally as the Fast Parts Caribbean GT Challenge, will bring together a diverse grid of drivers from Latin America, Canada, the USA and Trinidad & Tobago.
Spectators can expect a high-powered showcase featuring elite racing machinery from globally recognised manufacturers such as Lamborghini, McLaren and Porsche.
Speaking during Tuesday’s media briefing at the Bushy Park Circuit, Caribbean Franchise Holder Franklyn Boodram — who is also a team principal and competitor — pointed to the renewed momentum behind motorsport in the region.
He noted that after a lull in regional racing for several years, he ventured into racing in Latin and Central America with much success, before deciding to bring the Caribbean onboard via racing in Guyana and Barbados.
“Here at Bushy Park, things are a bit different, it’s technically ready-made with some small changes.These cars as we speak, they’re sitting in the port in Guyana for the race next weekend, and as soon as we are done racing there, we’ll be here in Bushy Park by the week after,” he revealed.
Guyana will host the next round of the series from July 11-12.
“This is more than a race, it is an opportunity to share our island, our culture, and our hospitality with the wider motorsport community. We are especially grateful to Eduardo Aguilar, Silvia Bermudez and Franklyn Boodram from the GT Challenge for granting us the opportunity to host this prestigious series. Your confidence in Bushy Park, in Barbados and the wider Caricom region means a great deal,” said Bushy Park Facility Manager Kurt Seabra.
The GT Challenge de las Américas was founded in 2019 by Eduardo Aguilar, with the aim of bringing together into a single series of races the best cars in Latin America.
Having experienced the championship firsthand, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) Director of Marketing Anderson King said the organisation recognised its potential as both a premier motorsport event and a platform that aligns with the island’s tourism ambitions.
“As we strengthen our presence across Latin America, partnerships like this allow us to engage new audiences, deepen regional relationships, and position Barbados as a destination that delivers exceptional leisure experiences and world-class sporting events,” he said.
(KH)
