MP Labega backs St. Maarten drag racing team, facilitates meeting with ECYS Minister

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Dimar Labega has expressed support for the St. Maarten Drag Racing Association as six local race cars prepare to represent the country at the Grenada International Drags 2026, while also facilitating a recent meeting between the association and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs to discuss the longer-term development of motorsport in St. Maarten. MP Viren Kotai was also present in the meeting.

Labega described the meeting with the Minister as encouraging, noting that the discussion was not centered on requests for financial assistance. Instead, representatives used the opportunity to present their vision for developing motorsport beyond competitive racing, with particular attention to youth development, education and creating pathways for young people interested in mechanics and automotive fields.

Among the ideas discussed were school-based programs and soapbox competitions that could introduce young people to basic mechanics, vehicle construction and the technical side of motorsport. The association also outlined a broader youth and school component it would like to develop as part of its long-term plans.

According to Labega, those involved recognize that developing motorsport into a more established sector will require a long-term approach, including planning, appropriate infrastructure, regulations, partnerships and eventually private investment.

He said the meeting provided an opportunity for the association to place its ideas before the Minister and begin a wider discussion about where organized motorsport could fit within the country's sports and youth-development framework.

The discussions come as the St. Maarten Drag Racing Association, led by President Dennis Gibs, prepares for one of its major regional appearances.

The Grenada International Drags are scheduled for September 26 and 27 at the Pearls Airstrip in St. Andrew, Grenada. The Grenada Motor Club's event information confirms participation from St. Maarten alongside competitors from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada.

The St. Maarten association is expected to send a team of six race cars to compete. Preparations have included local training and test sessions. In August, the association held a training session on Soualiga Road as racers prepared for the Grenada event, with the road temporarily closed to allow drivers to conduct their preparations under controlled conditions.

Labega said the participation reflects the continued work being done by local motorsport organizations and racers despite the absence of a permanent local drag racing facility.

The MP said the current momentum provides an opportunity for Government, motorsport organizations and other stakeholders to begin a more structured discussion about the future of the sport.

Local organizations have continued to organize test-and-tune sessions and other automotive activities independently, keeping the motorsport community active while demonstrating continuing public and competitor interest.

Labega said future discussions should consider areas such as regulations, infrastructure, youth programs, private-sector participation and the possible economic benefits associated with organized motorsport.

The school component discussed with Minister Gumbs is particularly important, he said, because motorsport can provide an entry point into practical skills such as mechanics, automotive technology, engineering and vehicle maintenance.

The concept of activities such as soapbox competitions could also give younger students an opportunity to work together on designing and building vehicles in a controlled educational environment before being introduced to more advanced areas of automotive sport.

Labega said any larger development would require careful planning and cooperation, including determining what infrastructure is realistic for St. Maarten and how private investors and other partners could contribute.

“I am incredibly proud to stand behind the St. Maarten Drag Racing Association and our talented drivers as they take to the track in Grenada,” said MP Labega. “This initiative reflects the true spirit of resilience and passion within our motorsport community. I eagerly look forward to championing more positive developments, upgraded infrastructure, and growth opportunities for our local motorsport community moving forward.”

He wished the St. Maarten team success in Grenada and said he intends to continue engaging stakeholders on the broader development of organized motorsport, including its potential connection to youth skills development and sports tourism.

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