From Caribbean360

The island will be transformed into a car-lover’s paradise over the May 17 to 18 weekend with stunt driving, multiple races and challenges.

LONDON, England, Wednesday February 26, 2014 – Grand Prix ace Lewis Hamilton, whose grandparents hail from Grenada, has confirmed that he will be the headliner for the Caribbean’s inaugural Top Gear Festival in Barbados.

Top Gear stars Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond chose the island to celebrate all things automotive in the Caribbean over the May 17 to 18 weekend.

Hamilton, who will take to the newly-refurbished Bushy Park Circuit in St Philip to complete a series of challenges set by Clarkson and colleagues, was upbeat about the forthcoming event.

“I cannot wait to touch down in Barbados for the Top Gear Festival,” he said.

“I love the island and have been on the TV show a few times and always have a lot of fun, so I’m excited to experience the spirit of Top Gear at a live event. I can’t wait to see what Jeremy, James and Richard have in store for me.”

Barbados will be transformed into a car-lover’s paradise at the festival, with live stunt driving, antics from The Stig, as well as multiple races and exciting challenges.

The first round of the 2014 Red Bull Global Rallycross season will also be held at the festival, and spectators will be treated to some of their best drivers competing on the track. Bucky Lasek, Ken Block and Scott Speed will be among those vying for the honours.

Co-host of the US version of Top Gear, Tanner Foust, will attend the festival in a bid to encourage American motor sport fans to sample the Caribbean event.

The island’s tourism is expected to benefit from the tens of thousands of fans predicted to fly in for the festival, with packages including air fare and accommodation available.

According to Petra Roach of the Barbados Tourism Authority’s London office: “The addition of Hamilton to the already stellar line-up really does position Top Gear Festival Barbados as the ultimate event taking place in the Caribbean this summer.”

For more on this story go to: http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/sports/1107035.html?utm_source=Caribbean360+Newsletters&utm_campaign=0ad491dcb2-Vol_9_Issue_041_News2_26_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_350247989a-0ad491dcb2-39393477#ixzz2uRqLlcPW