The only such course in the Caribbean - or in the Americas, for that matter - it has impressed drivers from around the world with its mixture of flowing curves and tight, attention-focussing, hairpins. At 2.8 kilometres, it is longer than some similar courses, such as Silverstone in the UK, demanding higher speeds and greater commitment from drivers, producing some very close racing.

Events are organised by the Vaucluse Raceway Motor Sports Club (VRMSC), like the Barbados Rally Club affiliated to the Barbados Motoring Federation. Since it opened in 2000, Vaucluse Raceway has attracted more than 100 competitors to its 12 RallySprints, one-fifth of them from overseas. Since 2001, the island's largest internet service provider, Sunbeach, has sponsored the four-round RallySprint Cup, of which the International is a qualifying round and the first event in the Barbados Rally Carnival.

The course has a clay base, with a mixed surface, varying from compressed dirt through concrete and marl . . . and back! Approximately one-third of the distance is now weatherproof. As rubber from cut slicks (similar to rallycross tyres) is laid down during the day, the track gets faster and faster. The track consists of two parallel lanes figure-of-eight style with a cross-over point - the Simpson Motors bridge - so each competitor completes the full two laps before returning to the finish line.

Drivers are divided into groups of four based on morning qualifying times. The fastest will race the third fastest, then the second fastest run against the fourth fastest; after the two losers settle third and fourth places, the two heat winners go head-to-head for group victory. At the end of the day the winner from each group goes on to the end-of-day Knock-Out Handicap where cars are staggered at the start based on their fastest race times. It is not uncommon in the handicap section to see Group N cars beating Group A cars to settle the 'Driver of the Day' title.

Vaucluse Raceway has a well-deserved reputation for its relaxed atmosphere and sodium lights installed in the pits and around the bar allow spectators to mix with the competitors in a (very) social atmosphere at the end of each race day and long into the night.