On Sunday, a group of motorsports enthusiasts convened at Beanfield to discuss the way forward for the cherished motorsports venue known as the Caca Bef.
Terroll Compton, Chairman of the Saint Lucia Motorsports Association, chaired the meeting.
He raised concerns about whether authorities would rather see enthusiasts resort to illegal street racing as an alternative. Compton underscored the importance of the sport as a constructive outlet, particularly for idle or displaced young men seeking meaningful activities.
“We need to see an establishment of a home for motorsport, so these young people that are here can stop driving their cars fast on the road, and can stop going at two or three in the morning to test and tune, because they have no choice,” he said. “It keeps them from crime. It stabilises their mind. Are we fostering that, or are we going to stick to everybody must be a doctor, everybody must be a lawyer? We have enough of them.”
The local motorsports fraternity is voicing strong opposition to proposed plans to fence the area off from public access, which it is felt would be an economic misstep. Reports indicate that several regional racing teams, including those from Antigua & Barbuda, are eager to participate in upcoming events, such as the traditional Independence Day drag racing festivities.
Part of the former airstrip, which has become a drag racing hub, is now cordoned off, with imminent plans for a fuel depot to be built in the vicinity as part of the Hewanorra International Airport expansion project. These developments have sparked discontent among racers.
During the public meeting, attendees urged authorities to act swiftly to preserve what has become a beloved location for many. A key point of discussion centered on the potential need for a new racing venue if the site is closed off. The area, regarded as not only the best racing track in Saint Lucia but also one of the premier locations in the region, has become the unofficial home of motorsports on the island.
Government officials are reportedly in discussions to address the issue. In the past, alternative sites such as Cul De Sac and Dennery South have been proposed as potential locations for a dedicated motorsports venue, though such developments could be costly.
In the interim, local enthusiasts have launched a virtual petition to save the base, marking the beginning of what could escalate into further action by the determined racing community.
