So 2009 …….. What a year. Not only did we celebrate 30 years of rallying in Trinidad, but some would say we have come close to doing the impossible. Who would have thought that we could have started the year breaking boundaries with a Tarmac street special in Chaguanas and then ended the year by putting on such a memorable show in beautiful Tobago?

So from the International to 2 Mayor’s Cups, to Rally Cars taking the Tobago ferry by storm, 2009 cemented the TTRC once again as the premier motorsport in Trinidad and Tobago and it’s a title that we intend to keep.

2008 to 2009 saw a return of the dedicated executive who really stuck to a game plan and executed many of our objectives. Events on a grand scale cannot happen without careful planning and 2010 and beyond will require this same dedication. Stages rallying has attracted new competitors and teams in a time where everyone thought the sport would suffer the consequences of the global financial pinch. With these new spectators came more loyal fans, photographers and video crews, amateur and professional alike. Rally Tobago was testament to this new following boasting the largest local entry ever to be looked on by one of the biggest spectator gatherings.

While we have already paid tribute to the combined effort of the TTRC executive, the teams, fans, and the media personnel, we must make special mention of some of the people that made 2009’s signature events possible.

The Ministry of Sport who not only continue to support us generously through the year with subvention assistance but the Tobago Rally was the original idea of our Honourable Minister Gary Hunt. His persistent suggestion of Tobago and formally introducing us to the THA was instrumental in what eventually became the Tobago Rally Festival. Calling THA’s involvement anything other than perfect would be an understatement and we look forward to working with them on making Rally Tobago a mainstay on their calendar of events.

Our sponsors provide the means to put on all of our events, They understand our challenges in generating our own funds and as a club, we must offer our sincerest thanks to them continuing to see advertising potential through our sport. Stag, NP Ultra, MYSA, THA, Illuminat, Tropical Power Limited, Dasani, Full throttle, and Oracle Signs – a major thanks to all your help for 2009 and we sincerely hope that you will continue helping make the sport of Rallying bigger with each event.

Our film crews, Trinituner (special mention of Duane, and Gerrard), Zorce Magazine, Devi Nath photography and all the camera guys out there, you guys help bring those special moments on race day to life. Locally Grown video, and Skildo productions are official video partners which we recognize also. Guys and gals we thank you for your commitment.

Marshals and all the volunteers, we could not do a rally without you. A special thanks to Keeva Seegobin and his timing team, Ryan Pereau our clerk of the course for 2009, and Leslie Braithwaite for all their efforts on race day.

So we know all the ingredients of our successes in 2009, where are we going from here?

Well 2010 will see 3 more rally cars being built locally. Our 2WD and 4WD classes are now fully subscribed and while it means extra work for Jackie and her trophy selection, it means much more entertainment value for our spectators and sponsors. As mentioned before huge interest is already growing for RT10, and so far is shaping up to be another record year for entries and regional competitors. Navigational rallying, although the scope has changed somewhat, we would love to see a major international event take place on our shores.

So with 2009 all wrapped up, we move to a new set of challenges in making 2010 yet another show stopper year for the TTRC. Stay tuned people, its Rally Trinidad, Rally Tobago, Saith Park, Bronte, Cedar Hill, Preysal…….ah cyah wait!!!