Rallying in Barbados - The Micro economic, social and cultural perspective !

What is rallying? By definition, rallying is a race, one car at a time at set intervals, from point to point over one or a combination of surfaces such as tarmac, gravel, sand or snow. Close enough, right? Sure, it depends on who you ask but when you put a Barbadian lens over it, rallying is so much more.

Rallying is commerce, but not in the way you might think. I'm not even talking about it on a macro level. The level of commerce that is generated may not register on the GDP Richter scale but it is measurable. We all know how hard it is to get ice from a gas station during Rally Barbados weekend. So much so that some companies send ice trucks to sell ice on at stage locations. Gas stations, supermarkets and hardware stores see a spike in activity but if we zero in on the communities that comprise the stages, you'd be surprised at the boost in commerce that presents itself. Ask Redman in Society how well his shop is patronized when an event is held up there. Or even Marie who runs the shop in Mount Poyer when Rally Barbados rolls around. Residents' verandas transform into cook shops and watering holes. A potential inconvenience is converted into economic opportunity and spectators ensure those efforts don't go unrewarded.

Rallying is family. Whether by blood or by association, we are all part of the same family. It doesn't matter if you are there for the lime or if you're a true petrol head. As small as Barbados is at 166 miles², there are people that you will only see at a rally, speed event or double header. When you do see them though, the laughter, smiles and banter are as warm and genuine as they'll ever be. As for blood relatives, as recently as the Shakedown Stages, I saw a grandfather, father and son enjoying the action. That's three generations all sharing a love and passion for rallying. Funny enough, I only ever see them at events. Family ties run deep for competitors as well. Andrew Mallalieu has the rear of his Ford Fiesta R5 adorned with the names of his children. Tom Stockdale (son of adopted Bajan Martin Stockdale) has his family's names on the rear spoiler of his BMW M3. How many generations of families have put on helmets and race suits and competed over the decades? How many siblings or relatives have competed against each other out there on the stages? Family runs deep. 

Rallying is togetherness. No matter your social standing, race, or networth, we are all one. We assemble to watch the sport we love, unencumbered by the classist and racial narratives pushed by those who choose to be ignorant of what motorsport truly means. Communities assemble in unison and it's a sight to behold. In 2022 during the Barbados Rally Club's Winter Rally, one of the stages ran right through my neighborhood. During a brief pause in one of the night stages I took the opportunity to look behind me and it hit me. Here were people, some I hadn't seen in months...yet here we were, all of us, taking in the spectacle of night rallying. Some came out of curiosity, others dedicated rally fans. My family came for a closer view of the action with our neighbor Kim in tow. Family. Community. Togetherness. 

Rallying is love. Whether it's falling in love with the sport, falling in love with someone you meet at an event or falling in love with Barbados, there's no denying that rallying is the catalyst for many a love affair. Countless visitors have come here on vacation only to return to tick Rally Barbados off of their bucket list and have ended up falling in love. One of the most recent examples of this is Neil Chambers who was Tom Stockdale's co-driver for 2024's edition of BCIC Rally Barbados. He too had the rally on his bucket list and before the rally was done, he had already decided he would be back for 2025...even if he wasn't in the co-driver's seat. Neil had heard from Martin Stockdale about the unique experience that is Rally Barbados and even seen short clips on television but to witness it firsthand was above and beyond his expectations. To cap it off with the Group B win was just gravy. Neil was emotional as he recounted his two weekends of his first Bajan rallying experience. The enthusiasm, ingenuity and sheer numbers of spectators who lined the stages, the warm reception and hospitality that he and his family received everywhere they went, the friendships that he's made and most of all his eager anticipation of returning. It's safe to say Neil is smitten. Could you really blame him, though? 

Rallying is energy. Take a drive through rural Barbados in January and February, you'll see in some places thick brush and undergrowth. Pass those same places again in March, April and May and you'll see them transformed. Spray painted lines illustrating reserved spots for tents and pickups to park, spectators marking their preferred vantage points. Some even camp out to ensure their spots are secured. As the clock ticks down to event start time, there's a palpable anticipation that grows with each passing minute. Car Zero heralds the crescendo, the bubble about to burst. The sound of Car One in the distance, everyone on their feet, umbrellas down, phones and cameras at the ready. As it comes into view, euphoria. The high abates as Car One passes but the cycle regenerates as soon as the sound of the next car reaches the eager ears of the spectators. Eat. Sleep. Rally. Repeat. 

Rallying is many things to many different people. Local or visitor, we share a common bond- a sport that has lit a passion inside of us that isn't so easily extinguished. Bajans are known the world over for being warm and welcoming people with a friendly disposition. The local rallying ecosystem is a true reflection of that. It is who we are.