Recommended Experience: Bahamas Speed Week Revival

Last week the future intersected with the past when more than fifty classic road cars and modern-day super cars took to the streets of New Providence for Bahamas Speed Week Revival 2012. The event that spanned nine days included a 007 Island Tour, which recognized the Bonds that tie James to The Bahamas and a day of timed sprints, which I was able to attend – having just returned the evening before from Elbow Cay, Abaco.

Notes from my travel log:
Walking in to the 20,000-square-foot paddock my pulse quickens with the roar of a restored OSCA and the sight of seeing legendary race-car driver Sir Stirling Moss leaving the bustling paddock to enter a challenging 1.5 mile circuit. Recognized as an elite driver of his time, he and his wife Lady Moss are rightfully titled this year’s event patrons as he is a man who in his own right authenticates the experience. Walking to the VIP Paddock Club I take in the event’s backdrop, a bustling New Providence harbour, home to the Port of Nassau and over which bridges connect New Providence to Paradise Island. Looking at the western tip of Paradise Island I spot the oldest surviving lighthouse in the West Indies, known to history as the Hog Island Lighthouse which was built in 1817. I think what a sight this is to be seen from the lighthouse’s focal plane and I imagine standing upon history and looking out to the revival of the original Nassau Speed Weeks which took place in the 1950s and the early 1960s. Other than a change in location I imagine the scene is not that much different than what it was fifty odd years ago; with entrants having flown in from far flings corners of the world; Austria, Hong Kong, Switzerland and the United Kingdom complete with an impressive paddock roster which includes, Aston Martin DB4GT, AC Cobra, Mini Cooper 1275S, Ferrari 375MM, Lotus 11 and 19 – why there is even a British commentator heard overhead, his accent making it official.

Bringing my thoughts back to the present I step in to the VIP Paddock Club and here the energy is palpable, Young’s Champagne is overflowing, fresh rolled cigars by Graycliff are being puffed  and there are two large screens looping photographs of the original Nassau Speed Week, reminding us that while today’s drivers are not retracing the same lines driven by the drivers before them the underlying passion has not been changed by the times. I leave knowing in 2013 we will look back on this year’s event as history and the nostalgia we carry now will be felt for generations to come thanks to its revival.

If you are looking for an experience steeped in history this is surely one I recommend for you.

P.S. To keep up to date with news of Speed Week Revival 2013 visit here and here.
P.P.S. Photo Credits – Morgan McKinney Photography.