Sport News

The Barbados Motoring Federation (BMF) has become affiliated to the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the world governing body of motorcycle sport. After submitting the application earlier this year, the BMF was officially welcomed into the global FIM family by President Jorge Viegas in Rimini, Italy, on Friday (December 2).
 After BMF Treasurer Jeanne Crawford made a formal presentation to the FIM’s General Assembly, she was joined by BMF President Senator Andrew Mallalieu as Barbados and two other new federations participated in an induction and familiarisation course on Saturday. Georgia and Senegal were also welcomed, bringing to 119 the number of national federations affiliated to the FIM.
 Mallalieu said: “Being a recognised member of the FIM, with access to the resources available to its members, will enable us to enhance motorcycle sport for our existing bikers. It will also provide great opportunities for the growth of the sport through the staging of international events.
 “Clearly, it is early days, but we have already started work with the biking community to advance the establishment a new club within the Federation that will focus on motorcycle events in both sport and leisure. Initially, we would be looking at reviving the circuit racing scene, leisure riding which is already popular in the island and motocross.”
 In recent years, the Barbados Association of Dragsters & Drifters (BADD) and Bushy Park Motorsports Inc (BPMSI) have both included classes for motorcycles in their events, although the numbers have not been high, while Bushy Park Track Days also attract a number of bikers. While the BMF has licensed nearly 40 competitors in recent years, there are known to be many more enthusiasts in the island.
 The 119 affiliated national federations are grouped into six Continental Unions (CONUs), Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and Oceania. Barbados joins the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA) as the third member of the North America CONU, whose President Robert Dingman also welcomed the BMF delegation.
 Founded in 1904, the FIM is responsible for more than 50 FIM World Championships and is the sole authority in motorcycle sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Based in Mies in Switzerland, the FIM also maintains a leading role in public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment – it became the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994 - and it has been a forerunner in promoting Women in Motorcycling for many years.

Editor’s note: the Barbados Motoring Federation (BMF), which is affiliated to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) is the island’s governing body for motor sport; it also represents the interests of its Member Clubs in discussions with Government departments which facilitate the sport in the island, in particular the Ministry of Transport, Works & Water Resources, which permits road closures for an agreed number of events each year. Away from motor sport, the BMF affiliate which answers the FIA Mobility remit is the Barbados Automobile Association (BAA).

For media information only. No regulatory value.

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