BVI drag racers deliver strong Caribbean showing with podium finish

The Virgin Islands remote-control drag racing team made a significant impact at Come to the Line, a Caribbean championship held at Northsound International Raceway in Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Ivan B. Smith, known as 'Junie', was the standout performer for the BVI squad. Piloting Red October, he finished third overall and reached the semifinal round. His fastest run clocked 1.2079 seconds, which the BVI RC Drag Racing Team said ranks as the second-quickest RC drag time ever achieved in Antigua.

Two teammates also competed across the 132-foot strip. Kevin K. Smith, called 'Imo', drove both Justice and Rude Boy to a quarterfinal appearance, with his best pass reaching 1.256 seconds. Martin M. Malone, known as 'Smoke', operated Blue Smoke and achieved 1.382 seconds, though he did not progress past the initial rounds.

Racers from multiple Caribbean islands participated in the event, which was staged by RC Nation 268. The BVI team attributed the strong results to growing expertise and passion for the sport within the territory, combined with the benefit of testing skills against regional competitors. The team said it plans to continue competing in Caribbean events as it represents the Virgin Islands on the RC drag racing circuit.