Former President of the Antigua and Barbuda Drag Racing Association (ABDRA), Lisa Abraham, has classed the recently held Miss Motor Sports as a major success.
Abraham, who was also one of the coordinators of this first ever event, spoke positively about it with OBSERVER.
“I would say for the first year, with all the challenges we had, because you know we had to have a change of venue at the last minute due to circumstances beyond our control; but changing it from outdoor to indoor, we thought it would have been even more challenging, but in the end it worked out,” she said.
“We had a very good turnout despite the weather and overall I must say – for its first time, never doing anything in this form [before] – I am comfortable with the end result.”
She said the public was very receptive to the fusion of pageantry and sports, although many people believe they cannot be linked.
“I would say due to crowd response they were receptive to it, because we already have several girls that contacted us last night about
[entering]
the competition.”
Lastisha Browne, representing the Drag Racing discipline, was crowned the first ever Miss Motor Sports, edging out five other contestants at the Dean William Lake Center on Sunday.
Browne won the best monologue and best race gala wear segments.
Mandisa Nanton copped the 1st runner-up position, winning the best intro, best question-and-answer, and “Girls that race” interview segments; while the crowd favorite, Kayla Eastwood, claimed the 2nd runner-up spot.
She also won the best sportswear and best reaction time segments; as well as Miss Photogenic and Miss Social Media.
Nanton and Eastwood represented the Rally Racing and Motorbike Racing disciplines, respectively.
Oriana Anthony won the congeniality segment.
The six delegates will have the opportunity to be ambassadors in the sport – locally, regionally and internationally – while the winner was awarded an airline ticket to any LIAT destination of her choice.