Fast and furious in the Bahamas Speed Week

In the 50s & 60s American and European racing drivers met in Nassau for an end of season 'play-off' - with the emphasis on 'play' – participating in Bahamas Speed Week.  Too good to relegate to the history books, Speed Week has been well and truly revived with the emphasis still on 'play' over 5 high-octane days of fun in the sun from 4-8 December 2013. 

The first Bahamas Speed Week Revival in 2011 attracted entrants from UK, Europe and the US, and will do so again this year with the Europeans shipping their ‘pride and joy’ classic race cars over from Folkstone while the Americans drive theirs over via a specially commissioned mail boat service.  There is much excitement as a Ferrari Dino 206 Prototype joins the grid, the only one of its type ever built, has recently triumphed at Villa d’Este and taken the accolade of ‘historically most significant Ferrari’ at the Vernasca Silver Flag.  

Sir Stirling Moss, past patron of Bahamas Speed Week 2011 and 2012, says of his experience, “Susie and I have raced in locations around the world, but I don't think we have ever enjoyed friendlier hospitality or a more beautiful setting than we did in Nassau last year.”

The five times Le Mans winner, Derek Bell MBE, and patron of Bahamas Speed Week 2013 says, “The past two years have seen an amazing variety of cars entered for Speed Week, and the entrants all have one thing in common – they are ‘hell bent’ on enjoying themselves and their cars. And what a place to do it - The Bahamas makes an astounding backdrop to the spectacle of fabulous cars on this year’s entry list – I can’t wait!”

For the first time Bahamas Speed Week has made special VIP elements available to spectators, all subject to ticketed availability, these include: 

The Welcome Reception hosted by the Governor General Sir Arthur and Lady Foulkes at Government House, the former home of Edward VIII following his abdication.

An evening reception at the historic Graycliff Hotel, Restaurant & Cigar Factory, where daytime tours of the Graycliff Cigar Factory and the boutique Chocolatier are also available.

The Arawak Cay Pursuit Sprint and Race Day made up of the Pursuit Sprint, Formula Junior racing, Mini racing, Historic Kart and Pre-War car demonstrations.

The specialist tour operator WeTravel4Sports has Bahamas Speed Week packages to include flights, accommodation, transfers and entry tickets to the key racing days, prices from £1910 per person and can also create bespoke packages. Email groups[at]wetravel4sports.co.uk.

General Nassau/Paradise holiday packages for early December are available through major tour operators.

Kenwood Travel has the following 7 night packages 3-12 December:

Atlantis Paradise Island, Beach Tower Room only, from £1182 pp

Breezes Bahamas, All Inclusive, from £1316 pp

Sheraton Nassau Beach, Room only, from £1330 pp

Prices are based on BA flights and include all airport taxes. Transfers are not included but available on request. Visit kenwoodtravel.co.uk/caribbean/bahamas/holidays.

Visit bahamasspeedweek.com and bahamas.co.uk for general information on The Islands Of The Bahamas.