Lewis Hamilton Joins Top Gear Festival Barbados Line-Up

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Feb. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Barbados Tourism Authority and Top Gear Festival have announced that 2008 Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, is set to join the star-studded line-up of world famous presenters and motor sport legends at the inaugural Top Gear Festival in Barbados, from May 17-18. 

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As part of an action-packed weekend of motoring spectacles, the British Grand Prix ace will take to the newly refurbished Bushy Park Circuit to join a host of challenges set by Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. Hamilton has a natural affinity to the Caribbean region with his grandparents, on his father's side, hailing from Grenada, just a short hop from Barbados.

Hamilton, whose passion for motor racing began at the tender age of eight, has had an enviable career which includes records for the most consecutive podium finishes from debut, most wins and pole positions in a debut season and most notably was  the youngest  driver to win the F1 World Driver's Championship back in 2008.

Hamilton, 29, joins an illustrious list of F1 supremoes, World Champions and race winners to appear at a Top Gear Festival including David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Mika Hakkinen, Jody Scheckter and Eddie Jordan.

"I cannot wait to touch down in Barbados for the Top Gear Festival," commented Hamilton. "I love the island and have been on the TV show a few times and always have a lot of fun, so I'm excited to experience the spirit of Top Gear at a live event. I can't wait to see what Jeremy, James and Richard have in store for me!"

Petra Roach, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Barbados Tourism Authority commented, "The addition of Hamilton to the already stellar line-up really does position Top Gear Festival Barbados as the ultimate event taking place in the Caribbean this summer. We're incredibly excited to be sharing this news, but watch this space for even more announcements that will make it impossible for you to not want to attend!"

Top Gear Festival Barbados is expected to draw tens of thousands of petrol-heads for a thrilling weekend of high-octane motoring action with Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. The jam-packed schedule of motoring antics will see The Stig and the Top Gear Live Stunt Driving Team take to the track in a series of thrilling stunts, races and challenges.

The Red Bull Global Rallycross will hold the first round of their 2014 season at Top Gear Festival Barbados, which will see some of their hottest drivers compete on the track including Ken Block, Bucky Lasek and Scott Speed.  The legendary line-up also includes Tanner Foust who co-hosts the US version of Top Gear.

Visitors are encouraged to book early so as not to miss the most exciting new event on 2014's entertainment and motoring calendar. Bushy Park is a short drive from the island's capital Bridgetown and from the international airport.

Tickets are on sale and priced at BBD$75 ($37.50 USD) for a general admission ticket, BBD$200 ($100 USD) for a Club House ticket and BBD$500 ($250 USD) for a VIP Marquee ticket. Children's tickets are available, and start from BBD$50 ($25 USD) for a general admission ticket.  For more information on ticket packages or to book visit www.topgearfestivalbarbados.com.

About Barbados
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes.  Rated as one of the world's sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados' Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travellers.  Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Barbados has hosted several world class events including: The annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival; the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010, and the Rihanna LOUD concert in 2012. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via Jet Blue and American Airlines, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean.  Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor's '2008 Travellers Choice Destination Awards' in its Top 100 Destinations category.  For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados.

Top Gear Live & Top Gear Festival
Offering a variation on more traditional motor shows Top Gear Live and Top Gear Festival brings the spirit of the TV programme to the live events arena allowing fans to immerse themselves in their passion for Top Gear and motoring in general. Starring Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond and The Stig the event features an exhilarating mix of stunts, supercars and challenges. Top Gear Live has been running world tours since 2008 entertaining over 1.8 million visitors. Note: the format of the event and presenter line-up can vary in different countries. Top Gear Live is a joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Brand Events Ltd.

Brand Events UK
Brand Events was formed in 1999 and is the UK's most successful innovator in events and exhibitions.  Since then it has launched some of the UK's most popular consumer events including Top Gear Live and, most recently the CarFest North and South events hosted by BBC broadcaster Chris Evans which have raised more than £2m for BBC Children in Need.

BBC Worldwide Ltd.
BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to exploit the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the licence fee payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has five core businesses: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, Consumer Products and Global Brands. In 2011/12, BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £155 million on headline sales of £1085 million and returned £216 million to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website: www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

SOURCE Barbados Tourism Authority