The government remains committed to developing a dedicated drag racing facility in Anguilla, according to lands and planning minister Kyle Hodge.
During a press conference on 6 July, he said work was continuing to identify suitable land for a “international-type racetrack”, with further details expected once discussions have progressed.
Hodge was responding to questions from the media asking whether the dragstrip, which has been promised by multiple administrations over several decades, would finally be built.
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“That is part of our overall plan. First of all, we need to to get the right location, acquire the right amount of land,” he said.
When asked if the idea was to build it in the Corito area, the minister said that had been planned “for years” adding: “I’m sure there was a lease negotiated at one point, as well.”
But he stressed that next to the Corito landfill is “really not the ideal location” to have people gather and race.
“We are definitely interested in seeing this project come to fruition,” he said. “We have it on our timetable to be able to acquire land and to be able to start the design phase of a really international-type race track.
“Not just a track where you know you give the association, you know, a strip of land and say, ‘Here, go ahead and put down some asphalt’.”
Hodge said the facility should be properly developed to maximise its potential tourism benefits.
“I don’t want to say too much, because there are some developments, and as soon as we get over that hump, pretty soon we’ll be able to give a really good update on that,” he said.
Hodge said a further update on the project would be provided to the public before the end of the year.
“I know there are many avid race car owners who are looking out and eagerly anticipating such an announcement,” he said.
Drag racing is a form of motorsport where two vehicles race side-by-side over a short, straight track, usually covering a quarter-mile or an eighth-mile distance.
The winner is the vehicle that reaches the finish line first, with races testing acceleration, engine power and driver skill.
The Anguilla Motor Sports Association (formerly the Anguilla Drag Racing Association) has long been lobbying the government for the development of a purpose built facility.
In 2014, the government published a ‘Discussion paper on drag racing for public consultation’ which can be read in full here.
