Rally Barbados 2025 is revving up to be the largest and most international edition yet, with a record-breaking 126 crews confirmed to compete in the 35th running of the island’s premier motorsport event.
At a media launch hosted at the Open-Air Suites at Bushy Park, organisers from the Barbados Rally Club (BRC) revealed that the BCIC-sponsored event, running from May 30 to June 1, has smashed previous records in both local and overseas participation.
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From 147 online entries received since October 2024, a confirmed 126 crews are now locked in — eclipsing the 2012 high of 108. Among them are 51 overseas teams from 13 countries, including a record 99 individual international competitors. Locally, Barbados will be represented by 75 crews, up from 64 last year, with a record 39 entries in the powerful 4WD classes. Female participation remains strong, with 24 women competing, matching last year’s count.
Event Director Neil Barnard credited the surge in participation to a wave of post-pandemic enthusiasm and the island’s growing reputation as a bucket-list destination for rally enthusiasts.
“After a record 100 starters in 2024, we were optimistic,” he said. “But the overseas response this year has been phenomenal — especially from Ireland, with a record 13 cars entered, and newcomers from Scotland. Our rally has always thrived on word of mouth, and that tradition continues to fuel our growth.”
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The main event will unfold across 22 competitive stages, beginning with two floodlit SuperSpecials and a run through Malvern on Friday evening. Saturday’s action shifts to the southeast with three loops of three high-speed stages, while Sunday moves north for nine technical stages. The event will close with the traditional Final Stage at Vaucluse Raceway, which is not counted toward the overall results.
One of the most anticipated features this year is the return of Hangman’s Hill, resurfaced and reintegrated into the Content to Hopewell stage after a six-year break. It will feature during both the King of the Hill shakedown on May 25 and Sunday’s closing stages.
Adding to the excitement, the Rally Experience area (formerly the VIP section) and the large spectator zone at Vaucluse 90 will return for the first time since 2014, enhancing the experience for fans and guests alike.
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The rally is once again backed by a strong network of sponsors. BCIC’s General Manager of Marketing, Lori-Ann Glasgow, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and customer experience. First Citizens Bank Barbados CEO, Claire Jordan, highlighted the cultural and communal impact of the King of the Hill event, while BTMI Sports Manager, Kamal Springer, shared that tourism figures linked to the rally continue to climb — with over 600 visitors expected this year and ambitious plans for 1,000 in 2026.
New partnerships are also adding energy to the event. Inchcape Barbados, Megapower, and Platinum Motors have joined the rally family, with Megapower sponsoring electric vehicle involvement and two stages, Inchcape backing the Kendal stage and providing safety vehicles, and Platinum Motors supplying Stage Setup Safety Team cars.
With record entries, expanded sponsorship, and growing international attention, Rally Barbados 2025 is shaping up as a milestone event — not just for motorsport, but for Barbados as a whole.
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