While the crowds came to see some of the region’s best prepared rally cars, there was more than just horsepower on show. Although 3 WRC cars, a classic 1974 Ford Escort MkII, and a host of other spectacular machines were definitely something to watch, it was all very well complimented with many aspects of Trinidad and Tobago culture. RT10 kicked off with local artiste Michelle Xavier of Imij and Company singing the National Anthem, and then the event was officially opened with TTRC past president John De Freitas giving the welcoming address. The mood was then turned to a festive one with the Tropical Power Country Boys Tassa Group warming up the crowd while each of the participating country’s national flags were displayed by young Moko Jumbies moving through the crowd. Tribe Carnival costumes were also on display reminding the foreign teams where the best show on earth can be found.

After a 15-min rolling Tassa session, the cars all then took off in their seeded order, making a quick sprint and a 180-turn before crossing over the stage ramp to do a short interview with host Narend Sooknarine (Zorce Magazine).

When asked about the opening ceremony, TTRC VP Robert Cadiz said that it was the Club’s idea to begin making Rally Trinidad more ‘Trini’. Often many of the teams come for a week, and because of the hectic schedule of the rally, there isn't always much time to  truly experience the local culture. We often take for granted just how many great aspects of local culture there is, and we tried to show off some of them tonight. Some of the teams have travelled all over the world to rally and we hope that the aspects of Carnival, Tassa, and our Moko Jumbies have all helped to remind them that this is Rally Trinidad. So far it looks to be a success and we think that the foreign teams really appreciated some of the beautiful sights and sounds of Trinidad and Tobago.