Top motorsports officials are hopeful that the proposed creation of a multimillion-dollar circuit track will be the catalyst needed to transform the industry here in The Bahamas.In town for one day only, International Automobile Federation (FIA) President Jean Todt, along with some of his colleagues, endorsed the planned construction of the motorsports facility here in The Bahamas, as announced by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson yesterday. FIA is the world's governing body for motorsports.The minister emphatically stated the government's plans to have the facility completed by late 2015/early 2016, which is expected to be a major boost for auto racing in The Bahamas. One of the two sites being considered is the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre.The minister said that the creation of such a facility will go a long way in continuing the promotion of the sports-tourism brand that has taken the country by storm in recent times. This year alone, there has been the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic, the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014, and most recently, an international friendly soccer match between The Bahamas senior men's national team and the U.S. under-23 men's team, just to name a few of the sports-tourism events thus far.Already, there are talks about bringing major FIA events to The Bahamas, perhaps cutting into the Mexican and South American markets."We want to continue to bring the most exciting sports events in the world to The Bahamas," said the minister yesterday. "The investment is well worth it. The Government of The Bahamas through the sporting federations is committed to showcasing the world-class sporting venues that we have here by bringing in world-class sporting events. We want to put The Bahamas on the map for motorsports events. This is a fantastic time for many of our young men and women to learn the basics of motorsports and the technology that comes with it. I'm looking forward to world-class racing coming here to The Bahamas in short order."The limitations of the proposed track most certainly won't allow for Formula One racing at this time, but accommodating the other levels and other FIA events could be quite feasible. David McLaughlin, Speed Week Revival chairman and event director, who also serves on the Task Force Project & Funding Commission for the FIA as its Director for the Caribbean, said yesterday that Formula E Racing, which is the world's first fully-electric racing series, could be making an appearance here in The Bahamas. Since he re-introduced Speed Week to the country a few years back, his vision has always been to see a circuit track come to fruition, and with the minister's announcement yesterday, there is light at the end of the tunnel."We are so pleased to hear that a circuit track will be built," said McLaughlin. "Motorsports is spreading in The Bahamas. The circuit itself will be sustainable, looking at it as an investment. Already, there is a detailed track design. It will be very challenging due to space limitations, but what we see now is that motorsports is becoming more and more modern. When you look at the Formula E, with the electric cars, they are completely silent, so one aspect of racing is developing and it wouldn't have a serious impact on the community."Also yesterday, the Bahamas Motorsports Association (BMA) was officially ratified as a member of the FIA, whose membership is about 140 worldwide.The president of that esteemed body, Frenchman Jean Todt said that they are pleased to have The Bahamas on board and look forward to a long-standing, working relationship."We are extremely pleased to be here in The Bahamas to welcome our newest member," said Todt yesterday. "We welcome the words of the minister in the creation of the circuit track, and we hope that many FIA activities will happen here. It will allow for the coming back of the sport here in The Bahamas with a lot of ambition. Motorsports has a strong tradition here in The Bahamas, and we're happy to hear the minister remind us of that tradition. We support all kinds of motor racing worldwide. Of course, one of our priorities would be road safety, and that is something we want to address here in The Bahamas. That is a very important problem that needs to be addressed."

Todt said that he is concerned about the number of traffic fatalities here in The Bahamas. He hinted that a small country such as The Bahamas shouldn't be experiencing such drastic numbers when it comes to road safety. There were 51 traffic fatalities in the country last year, and 44 each in 2012 and 2011. The FIA has signed on to the United Nation's Decade of Action for Road Safety.

McLaughlin shared those same sentiments as Todt."Safety is a major concern for us," said McLaughlin. "We want to educate people about safety tips on the road and how to create a safe environment. It starts with the Edukarting Program. We want to put measures in place to show the youngsters at the Edukarting Program how to work together to achieve a common goal. We have seen so many of the kids improve, and we hope that continues."The Government of The Bahamas is the primary financial backer for the proposed multi-million dollar circuit track. It is being dubbed, "The Circuit of The Bahamas."McLaughlin said that at the end of the day, people want to see high-class racing, so he expects the Bahamian people to fully embrace the concept, and the expansion of the industry here in The Bahamas.

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