Saint Lucia is set to make motorsports history next month with the launch of the inaugural Octane Street Legends Motorsports Festival, an event expected to introduce drifting to local audiences while bringing together multiple disciplines under one banner.
The festival, which will be held in Vieux Fort on August 15, forms part of the island’s growing focus on alternative sports and will feature drifting, motorcycle events, e-sports and family-friendly entertainment.
Director of Sports Clivus Jules said the event reflects the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports’ vision of supporting emerging sporting disciplines through partnerships with local organizations.
“Once the concept of alternative sports came into being, this is exactly what we were thinking of, where the motorsports fraternity would come together and put in this event,” Jules said.
He explained that the ministry is supporting rather than organizing the festival.
“So on this occasion, the ministry is not actually putting this event, but we are partnering with the organizations that were born out of the idea of alternative sports,” he added.
The event will also include a strong digital entertainment component through the involvement of the Saint Lucia E-Sports Association.
Association President Valdez Franklin said patrons can expect activities for gamers and football enthusiasts alike.
“We want to have a retro station,” Franklin said. “We’re going to also have the competitive side of things. We’re going to be doing the racing.”
He added that organizers are also looking to capitalize on the excitement surrounding international football.
“You know I have a lot of football fans and we’re in the World Cup craze, so we will have some screens for the football lovers,” Franklin said.
Meanwhile, President of the Saint Lucia Moto X Club, Terrel Compton, is encouraging everyday motorcycle riders to participate in the event in a safe and organized environment.
“But the everyday guy on the road with his… as they like to call it, the little scooters, we want to see you come in an organized setup and let’s see what you’re made of,” Compton said.
He stressed that safety would remain a priority for all competitors.
“Of course, you need to wear proper clothing. We want long sleeve jackets if possible, long pants, proper shoes, gloves, helmet, that sort of a thing, and come and participate in this event,” he said.
Compton believes the festival’s biggest attraction will be the variety of activities taking place in one location.
“It’s different, and that’s the important part about it,” he said. “It’s the first time it’s happening where you have a culmination of all of these activities, all of these motor sporting activities, happening under one roof and I think it’s going to be spectacular.”
Organizers hope the Octane Street Legends Motorsports Festival will establish a new annual fixture on Saint Lucia’s sporting calendar while creating opportunities for motorsports enthusiasts, gamers and families to enjoy a unique entertainment experience.