Senator Genevieve Whitaker enjoyed the St. Croix Motorsport Complex Soft Opening on October 8, 2022. Along with her esteemed colleagues, Senator Whitaker celebrated the track's opening after it was destroyed by Hurricane Maria in 2017. After the devastation of the car track, Mr. Arthur Hector, Sr., the president of the Caribbean Drag Racing Association, Inc., (CDRA) was concerned about receiving funding to complete the second phase of the project, which was for the return lane, the concession building, a roof to cover bleachers, sanitizing supplies and the retaining wall for National Racing Association (NHRA) approval 4-foot wall.
Mr. Arthur Hector Sr. reached out to Senator Whitaker’s office and extended an invitation to visit and assess the facility on January 29, 2021. Senator Whitaker along with her team observed damage to the concession building, viewing area, roof damage, etc. In other efforts, the Senator has also been engaging through emails from July 26, 2021, to August 20, 2021, with Governor Albert Bryan, St. Croix’s Administrator Samuel Sanes, and Commissioner Calvert White of Youth, Sports, and Recreation, and Chief of Staff to Governor Bryan, Karl Knight regarding funding for the car track. Additionally, CDRA has also been conducting board meetings regarding the concerns of the track. On July 24, 2022, the Senator and her staff attended a meeting to hear the concerns regarding what is needed to move forward in the direction of reopening the facility.
After years of discussions, and monies approved by Governor Albert Bryan through legislation sponsored by Senator Novelle Francis and Senator Javan James, the support of Senator Genevieve Whitaker, Department of Sports, parks and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White, and private partners the association's plans were achievable. The reopening celebration was held for two days to allow the public to enjoy the races. The event incorporated cash prizes up to $10,000 and entertainment by young up-and-coming entertainers from the community. Governor Albert Bryan also joined in on the fun, along with Commissioner Calvert White, to get behind the steering wheel to participate in the first race of the day. Senator Whitaker stated, “It is a great time to have drag racing back in the Virgin Islands, as it establishes revenue for the territory, gain tourist attraction, conducts regional races, and creates careers in racing and mechanics.” This is even more of a testament to our young people because they now can have additional activities to indulge in.
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