Revved up and ready to go. Two bikers watch for the green light before launching down the RN7 on Sunday in Grand Case. (Photo Miguel Mingau)
GRAND CASE--Some 54 bikers in five categories took part in the second edition of SXM Drag Race on the RN7 in Grand Case on Sunday. The event, once again meticulously organised for safety and security in a controlled environment by Association Moto Action du Nord (AMAN), made its return last year after a long absence due to Hurricane Irma and then the Covid pandemic.
Participants came from St. Maarten, St. Martin, Anguilla, Statia, Curacao, and Guadeloupe. In addition to the drag racing, for the first time there were stunt and drifting demonstrations to cater to youngsters. Two young kids from French Quarter, one from Sandy Ground and one from Guadeloupe participated in the stunts.
The main racing categories included Pro Stock, Street Bike, T-Max, Scooter and Quads. The event took place from 8:00am to 3:00pm which was the time limit on the approval from the Préfecture.
“We had a very big crowd watching, about as big as last year. There were no accidents thanks to safety provisions we always put in place,” said AMAN President Miguel Mingau. “All participants have to pass a technical inspection to prove their machine is roadworthy and they need a health certificate. The Gendarmerie and Police Territorial was present as well as the Fire Brigade and first aid responders.”
Very important for participants is the reliability and proper functioning of the timing system and traffic lights. Mingau said it all worked perfectly. “Our timing team travelled to Statia and Curacao for training on that aspect. They were right up to par for managing the timing on Sunday.”
Mingau stressed that the message the event always hopes to get across, especially to youngsters, is that safety is paramount. “You must wear protective gear, that is the full body suit, gloves, closed shoes or approved biking footwear, and of course always wear a helmet. It can save your life,” he said.
The results were as follows:
Pro Stock: 1 - Dale Gonsalves (Sint Maarten), 2 - Lionel Pochal (Guadeloupe), 3 - Lény Hanay (Guadeloupe)
T-Max: 1 - Adrien Lake, 2 - Jérémy Joseph-Harrigan, 3 - Winny Buisserethe. ( All three from St. Martin)
Street Bike: 1 - Julien Lemarchand (Guadeloupe), 2 - Nicolas Couchy (St. Martin), 3 - Brunce Sun (St. Martin).
Scooters: 1 - Chirlias David ‘Shy’ (sole participant)
Quads: 1 - Kerrone Hodge-Carty (Anguilla), 2 - Shamol Connor (Anguilla)
