Bahamas track becomes IHRA's 104th track in five countries
NORWALK, Ohio (September 10, 2013) – The International Hot Rod Association is pleased to welcome Bahamas International Raceway and its organizational group the Bahamas Hot Rod Association to the IHRA member track family.
Located on the southwestern section of Queen's Elizabeth Sports Centre in The Bahamas, the multi-million dollar drag racing facility will host a soft opening on the island's Discovery Day Holiday weekend in October with a full opening slated for the 2014 season.
IHRA's Frank Kohutek met with members of the BHRA on September 5 to welcome the track
"The BHRA looks forward to returning the sport of drag racing very shortly to The Bahamas and also developing and assisting in the development of other genres of motorsports on the island," said Elwood Donaldson, President of the Bahamas Hot Rod Association. "I would like to thank the government of The Bahamas, in particular the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, for believing in motorsports in The Bahamas. And a special thanks to the Ministry of Works and Urban Development, IBS and Bahamas Hot Mix for the construction work being carried out at the facility."
IHRA Division Director Frank Kohutek was met with great fanfare during a ceremony held on Thursday, September 5 at the facility to welcome Bahamas International Raceway to the IHRA family. Members of the local government, track officials and BHRA board members were on hand for the signing.
"We are very excited to have the BHRA join the IHRA family," Kohutek said. "The national stadium is beautiful and the racetrack is really nice. They have done everything needed in bringing the facility up to speed and I believe it will be a popular destination for racers with perhaps a few major events taking place here in the future."
Construction continues at the facility with a planned soft opening taking place in October.
A sound barrier and fencing around the perimeter will be installed by the government, before the timing system and other equipment is put into place. The construction of a new concession stand and bathroom facilities, as well as bleachers for the fans, will be handled by the association. The government is responsible for the construction of the facility, the site and other building materials.
With the addition of Bahamas International Raceway, the IHRA now sanctions more than 100 tracks in 28 states in the United States plus tracks in Canada, New Zealand, Aruba and The Bahamas.
For more information on Bahamas International Raceway and the IHRA family of member tracks, visit www.ihra.com.
