By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE dates for Bahamas Speed Week Revival 2012 the country’s biggest annual motor sport event, have been announced.

Speed Week, which took a 45 year hiatus, was reintroduced to the streets of Nassau last year.

Minister of Tourism, Obie Wilchcombe, who brought remarks at yesterday’s announcement at the British Colonial Hotel, said the event not only boosts Bahamian businesses, but captivates both locals and visitors – who help create interest globally.

“For us at the Ministry of Tourism, an event like Bahamas Speed Week offers an opportunity to showcase the best of the Bahamas and classic cars doing 120-130 miles an hour against the backdrop of colourful cottage style restaurants at Arawak Cay and Nassau Harbour.

“One of the other benefits of Bahamas Speed Week is that it introduces both Europeans and Americans to the extremely high net worth of the Bahamas,” he said.

Jimmie Lowe, president of Speed Week, said for him the revival is about restoring race car driving to the elite status it once enjoyed in the Bahamas.

So far, 39 vintage car owners have registered to participate in races to take place around Arawak Cay and through the downtown area.

Bahamas Speed Week begins on November 24 and will come to an end on December 2.