Junior dragsters at the Caribbean Motorsports Complex on St. Croix. Photo Credit: DSPR
After being dormant for years, the Virgin Islands Junior Dragster Youth Program introduced a revitalized program to more than 70 children on Monday at the Caribbean Motorsports Complex. The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, in collaboration with the Cambran Racing Team and the Caribbean Drag Racing Association revealed one of dragsters to a crowd of over 100 individuals. The program accepts students between 8-17 with no experience needed.
Lenroy Cambran, professional dragster and VI native, spoke to the children about safety in drag racing and explained how the program would be operated. Additionally, Mr. Cambran, who currently resides in Orlando, Florida, felt the need to bring back the program to the territory. “When I was growing up, I always wanted to be involved with drag racing. I played different sports but there was something unique that caught my attention about it," he said. "I developed a passion throughout the years that I started Cambran Racing Team."
Lenroy Cambran, left, with his wife, and Calvert White pose for a picture with junior dragsters at the Caribbean Motorsports Complex on St. Croix. (Credit: Dept. of Sports, Parks and Recreation)
DSPR Commissioner, Calvert White, was elated to see the turnout and the program's resumption. “I can’t thank Lenroy and his family enough for returning this program to the territory," Mr. White said, acknowledging Mr. Cambran's contribution in reviving the sport. "I know this has been his dream for years, and it’s now a reality. Baseball and basketball are not for every child, and I am excited that DSPR was able to help get the program started. I don’t know anything about drag racing, so this is Mr. Cambran’s show,” he said.
With two junior dragsters on the island, the cut-off for program participants was initially 32. However, with over 70 children registered, the VI Junior Dragster Program is seeking additional sponsors and businesses to purchase more junior dragsters cars. “The more cars we have, the more children we can serve,” Mr. White said.
