Cayman joins Caribbean Drag Racing Championship as associate

Parker’s Raceway, owned by Keith Tibbetts, is currently under renovation. – Photos: Parker’s Raceway Instagram

The Cayman Motoring Federation races full speed ahead as it becomes one of the newest associates to join the recently launched motorsports initiative Caribbean Drag Racing Championship.

Launched in February, this championship is a closed, invitation-only competition that unites the top drag racers within the Caribbean region. With a no-cost entry, racers are nominated by their National Sporting Authority to represent their country in the championship.

Since Caribbean Drag Racing Championship’s launch, racers across the region have begun accumulating points by competing in three of their locally staged national drag racing events in their respective countries.

The championship final will comprise the top 16 competitors in each of the two competitive classes — pro street (10.999 to 10.000 seconds) and pro race (9.999 to 9.000 seconds) — from all participating countries. That event is scheduled to take place in Jamaica in January 2026.

Jane Scaletta, CMF president, told the Compass that there are currently no dates set for Cayman to host qualifying races as our existing drag racing track, Parker’s Raceway, is under renovation with an anticipated reopening date for some time this year.

However, a Cayman racer can go to any approved country on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile – better known as FIA – Caribbean Drag Racing Championship calendar to compete in three qualifying races.

“We are actively laying the groundwork by identifying interested drivers, providing foundational information from Caribbean Drag Racing Championship, and collaborating with regional federations for mentorship and support,” she said.

Scaletta added that Cayman has “many excellent and experienced drag racers”, like Keith Tibbetts, Trevor Mohammed and Ian Tibbetts, and although there are no current entrants for this championship, the preparation continues, nonetheless.

“In the meantime, drivers will continue training through simulations, educational slalom events, and travelling to nearby countries for on-track experience. Safety and proper guidelines remain top priorities as we develop a drag racing team locally for international racing,” she said.

Since 2022, the Cayman Motoring Federation has been the official national governing body for motorsports in the Cayman Islands and is recognised by the FIA, the highest international governing body for many forms of motor sport.

Scaletta said that this new collaboration aligns with the foundation’s vision to “expand Cayman’s presence in regional motorsport and provide structured pathways for local drivers to compete internationally”.

Cayman has joined the championship alongside Caribbean counterparts Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.

Stephen Gunter, chairman of the Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club, which spearheaded the Caribbean Drag Racing Championship, expressed his gratitude for Cayman joining the championship.

“We thank the Cayman Motoring Federation for joining the Caribbean Drag Racing Championship and for their dedication to the development of drag racing in the region. We look forward to working together in building out the Championship and expanding its reach and impact across the Caribbean,” Gunter said in a recent press release.

Chris Elliott, a member of the FIA Drag Racing Commission, added in the release, “We’re delighted to welcome the Cayman Motoring Federation to the Caribbean Drag Racing Championship.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the growth of drag racing in the region. We look forward to supporting each other through technical assistance, event collaboration, and initiatives that elevate the sport in the Cayman Islands and beyond. Welcome aboard!”

For Scaletta, she views Cayman Motoring Federation’s involvement in this initiative as a gateway to Cayman eventually hosting the final competition in the future.

Persons interested in becoming a Cayman Motoring Federation member can do so at caymanmotoringfederation.org or by contacting them directly. Registration provides members access to various training programmes, events and esport opportunities offered by the foundation.