Bodden wants High Rock on track

Osbourne Bodden hopes to fuel a positive release for Cayman’s need for speed. 

The sports minister says local government supports the idea of a new race track, High Rock Raceway, being built east of High Rock Road in East End by the Cayman Hot Rod Association. Bodden views the proposed facility as another component to a burgeoning and fluid sports tourism portfolio. 

“I’m excited about a new race track – a proper facility is about 30 years overdue,” Bodden said. “It’s good to see the guys working together to make this happen; no pulling in separate directions like before – which is why we still don’t have one. The plans are excellent and government is leasing the property and supporting the idea. There is no other financial commitment from us. 

“Naturally, with the success our guys have had regionally, this track will now allow us to invite drivers from around the region and even the United States to come here and compete. This is an added ‘spoke’ to our growing sports tourism wheel.” 

The association got approval to build the track from the Central Planning Authority last September. According to planning records, a drag strip and circuit course are the main components. Association official William Ebanks Jr. said meets are planned to be held once or twice a month.  

While the association’s planning application was sent in December 2012, the group had been looking to build the track since at least 2009. The general area of the track was a site for drag racing in the past. 

Cayman’s motorsports community has been without an official home since December 2011, when Breakers Speedway held its last official race. Owner Robert Campbell sold the 51-acre property to U.K.-based Crown Acquisitions Worldwide in November 2012 for US$1.65 million. The developer got planning approval in March 2013 for a 115-lot residential subdivision. 

Karyll Iton, who serves as the association’s circuit racing director, said Cayman needs a track to foster local ability. 

“When you look at F1, NASCAR, etc., motorsports is one of the biggest spectator sports in the world,” Iton said. “But there’s no presence locally. There is a lot of motorsports talent here, but with no facility, that talent is not allowed the ability to grow. 

Based on the documentation surrounding the track, High Rock Raceway figures to be a Caribbean gem. The track’s initial plans called for a quarter-mile drag strip, a road course with several turns, pit areas and grandstands. Documents also featured a pair of two-story buildings for VIP seating and race control – one for drag racing and one for the road course – as well as a one-story building for administration, bathrooms, concessions and gift shop. There were also plans for a 711-space general parking lot, two additional parking lots for media/VIPs and personnel, and space for future parking lots. 

Bodden said part of his support for the project comes from a personal affinity for cars. 

“Motorsports is important in any society as you will always have young and older car enthusiasts and they need an outlet to showcase their talent and to improve,” he said. “Who knows? We may have a regional champion or world champion among us.  

“I’m a race fan and have been all my life and I therefore know the urges that one has, and when you have good horsepower around you, that outlet, in a safe, properly run facility, is critically important. It will allow road safety skills to be taught as well, and I’m sure the association will work to this end with the other associations. 

“I want to congratulate the guys who have come together to make this happen and to wish them much success going forward. I look forward to this opening and it has the support of my government, and I’m sure the support of many people.”