Stuart Williams well prepared for Bushy Park in 2011
Stuart Williams was once known for accelerating at the Bushy Park Racing Circuit in his famous “Silver Bullet” Starlet. However after an automotive upgrade in 2010, he now drives one of the most recognisable cars in Barbados motorsports. This year, Stuart is in thrilling form and has been a dominant presence in every event at Bushy Park.
Adrenaline Sun goes wire to wire with the Barbados two-wheel track record holder, Stuart Williams about the highlights of his career.
What drove you to motorsports?
I am the product of Bizzy and Wendy Williams and grew up next to Bushy Park racing circuit. I didn’t have a chance.
How long have you been racing cars?
Officially I started karting around 14 but I had greasy hands before this.
Can you list the different cars you have driven during your career?
Officially I have raced a Forsa GTI, Toyota Starlet “Silver Bullet”, and the Lotus Elise that I currently drive. I chose the Lotus for its light weight and reputation for good handling. Having said that I bought it without ever seeing it in person or even driving a Lotus before, but it has turned out to be a pretty good guess.
What type of car do you drive off the track?
My road car is a diesel double cab pickup. Very practical for work and it certainly makes me appreciate the pace of the Lotus when I climb back in.
Lotus Elise
Lotus Elise
Can you list some of the modifications on your current car… The Lotus not the pickup?
The engine is an Audi 1.8 turbo 20V with an output of around 450Hp. The bottom end of the engine is basically standard save for connecting rods. The power is really from the careful attention to fuelling, timing and generous boost thanks to our tuner Dennis Heath. The gearbox is a standard Audi gear case with a dog engagement kit and the body is full glass fibre. Despite its super performance the car would be just as comfortable on a supermarket run – if it had a trunk of course.
The most memorable moment in your career is…
In the later stages of racing the Starlet, we came up against internationally prepared cars with twice the horsepower and still won many races. To do this with a locally prepared car and a locally built Peter Hinkson engine was extremely rewarding for both myself and the team.
Have you ever gotten into any serious crashes?
Relative to my own health thankfully my worst ‘crash’ was in a go kart very late one evening at Bushy Park. I was trying to impress the late motor sport legend Allan Staniforth who was timing my laps. Wearing only shorts and a t-shirt, I flipped the kart and got dragged for long enough to leave a very painful amount of skin on the track. The lesson learned that evening is always suit up even if it’s just practise.
Stuart Go Karting
Are you involved in any other adrenaline sports?
Does GT5 count 
?
Where have motorsports taken you?
Besides into overdraft … motorsports have given me an opportunity to pursue my passion for driving while promoting Williams Equipment who pays the bills. But it’s a team sport and I have been blessed with a great team.
What is the most fun part about being Stuart Williams?
For those that don’t know me I am quite shy, so crowded parties don’t rank too high on my to-do list. The best part of my racing day is afterwards when the team, the drivers, my family and all of the gas heads can enjoy a drink or three in the evening twilight with the linger of racing fuel and burnt rubber in the air. It’s great.
Stuart Williams' Silver Bullet
Stuart Williams' Silver Bullet
Where would you like to see motorsports in Barbados?
I would like to see motorsports in Barbados return to simpler days when making a car fast was not about lap tops, exotic fuels, active diffs, traction control, paddle shift, anti-lag, carbon fibre, titanium and frequent flyer miles. Unfortunately, that is where we are at and it is not sustainable.
Any Last Words?
Phew. Who thinks up these questions ?
For the upcoming Sol Rally Barbados 2011 (June 4-5) Adrenaline Sun is bringing the drivers to you. Stay logged on for more action sports.
Check out Stuart Williams Dominating the Barbados Auto Racing League’s Second Event on Easter Monday at Bushy Park
Jamal Hall
Jamal Hall is the Chief Digital Media Officer of web development company, Island Evolved Inc. His many roles include being an action sports writer, photographer and correspondent for Island Evolved's subsidiary company Adrenaline Sun.
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