The Cayman Motoring Federation Auto Slalom League reached its halfway mark on Sunday, 12 July, after hosting round three of its six-event series.
The event, hosted at the Foster’s Airport overflow parking lot, welcomed eight competitors evenly divided between the stock and modified classes, and attracted one of the largest spectator crowds seen at a motoring federation auto slalom event to date.
Andrew McLaughlin claimed first place in the stock class behind the wheel of his Suzuki Swift with a combined time of 71.986 seconds and also clocked the fastest single lap of the event at 34.827 seconds.
In the modified class, Matt Kitching steered his Volkswagen GTI to the top spot on the podium, securing first place with a combined time of 73.286 seconds.
Race director Rory Scheepers praised the continued growth of the league, saying, “The standard of driving continues to improve with every event. Auto slalom is about precision, consistency and learning.”
“It’s rewarding to see new drivers gaining confidence while experienced competitors continue to challenge themselves. The atmosphere on Sunday demonstrated just how much interest there is in grassroots motorsport in Cayman,” Scheepers added.
Highlighting the professionalism showcased throughout the day was clerk of the course, Adis Kevorkian, who said, “Every event is built on preparation, teamwork and safety. Our volunteers, officials and competitors all played their part in delivering another smooth and enjoyable event. Seeing drivers improve run after run is exactly what auto slalom is designed to achieve.”
The event also shone a spotlight on the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts, as 14-year-old Alena Kevorkian served as master of ceremonies and operator of the official timing system.
“I love being involved in the events and seeing how every driver improves throughout the day,” Kevorkian said. “Even though I can’t compete yet, being part of the team has taught me so much about motorsport, teamwork and responsibility. I can’t wait until I can participate.”
As a precision driving discipline, auto slalom requires competitors to navigate a course of traffic cones against the clock. Because drivers compete individually rather than wheel-to-wheel, like in traditional racing, it stands as one of the safest and most accessible forms of motorsport for all ages and experience levels.
The league features six championship events throughout the year, where drivers complete three timed runs at each meet, with the best two runs combined to determine final scores. This format awards competitors for both consistency and precision while allowing them to sharpen their times throughout the day.
Throughout the season, competitors earn championship points that build toward crowning the overall league champions at the end of the six-race series.
Growth of league
Beyond the trophy chase, the Cayman Motoring Federation says the programme plays a vital role in its road safety strategy, by giving participants a controlled environment to master vehicle control, elevate hazard awareness and build habits that transfer directly to safer daily driving on local roads.
Jane Scaletta, Cayman Motoring Federation president, said the growth of the league reflects the federation’s long-term vision.
“Watching our Auto Slalom League continue to grow is incredibly rewarding. We are creating a welcoming environment where anyone can experience motorsport safely while becoming a better driver,” said Scaletta.
“We are equally proud of our commitment to environmental sustainability and the partnerships that help us demonstrate that motorsport and responsible environmental practices can work together.”
Vice president Rhondel Ramdath said the federation’s wider objectives, saying, “Auto slalom is far more than a motorsport competition. It gives drivers an opportunity to better understand their vehicles, improve decision-making under pressure and develop skills that contribute to safer roads for everyone. This programme is an important part of CMF’s road safety strategy.”
With three rounds remaining, the federation continues to welcome new competitors of all skill levels, encouraging anyone with a standard road car or modified vehicle to join.
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