SOL BARBADOS RALLY ADDS VALUE TO SPORTS TOURISM MARKET

by AirBourne / June 14th, 2012

FYI - Paul Bird's audio clip has a naughty word, if at work? Listen with Headphones, LOL!

A weekend of thrills and spills was followed with an evening filled with cheers and applause as the SOL Barbados Rally hosted its prize giving ceremony at the Boatyard, Bay Street, yesterday.

The SOL Rally Barbados 2012 champions, Paul Bird of England and Kirsty Riddick of Scotland, won with their Ford Focus WRC08.

Along with the local, regional and international competitors and supporters, Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy, was on hand to offer congratulations to the winners.

Barbados’ own Paul ‘Surfer Bourne and Megan Bryant placed second, driving their Ford Focus WRC 07

He praised the organisers for producing an event which had record-breaking accomplishments {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

“[There were] over 100 entries… we also had a record number of overseas entries, and from the tourism point of view that was a very wonderful thing – close to 40 entries. [There was also a] record number of female [co-drivers], 12 I am told…and we want to see this go from strength to strength,” Minister Sealy said.

(L to R) Kirsty Riddick, Luis Venizia without Mallet & Steed, previous Hat-Trick Sheriff: Roger Skeete, and new Outlaw: Paul Bird

The Tourism Minister also said that he believed Barbados’ local talent could make it on the world stage, adding that he was “… particularly encouraged by the number of young drivers and co-drivers... Chris Meek, who is now a world class rally driver, [said] that one of the toughest rally experiences he had was right here in Barbados.

SOL Rally Barbados 2012 champions - Paul Bird of UK & Kirsty Riddick of Scotland

“So, I don’t think that it’s beyond the realm of possibility that some time in the future we could see Barbadian drivers and co-drivers participating on the international rally circuit…certainly from our end in tourism, we will continue to support the event,” the Minister assured.

Earning 2nd place in Clubman Class were Lisa Roett (extreme left), Shannon Kirton (centre) who received their Trophies from SOL Country Mgr - Ezra Prescod

Paul Bird almost thought that he could not achieve a victory {CLICK ON FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL AUDIO};-

The British driver told an amused audience he was not sure he’d win as he’s older and fatter, and drives like an old lady – the final result caught him by surprise (WARNING – PG-13, NSFW)

Paul Bird with Kirsty Riddick and a happy young supporter at the Boatyard on Bay Street

The SOL Rally Barbados 2012 champions, Paul Bird of England and Kirsty Riddick of Scotland, won with their Ford Focus WRC08. Barbados’ own Paul  ”Surfer” Bourne and Megan Bryant placed second, driving their Ford Focus WRC 07, while Jamaica’s Jeffrey Panton and Michael Fennell Jr. earned third place, with their Ford Focus WRC06. (Co-Author - NH/BGIS)