Suriname Motorsport Park: A Hub of Motorsports in Suriname

Located in the Para district, Suriname Motorsport Park (SMP) stands as the first official racetrack in Suriname. Since its opening in May 2013, the one-kilometer drag strip has become the centerpiece of motorsport in the country. Operated by the Foundation for the Promotion of Motorsport in Suriname (Motosur), SMP represents both a passion for racing and an attempt to bring organized motorsport to a growing audience. But beyond race days, the park tells a story of challenges, neglect, and unrealized potential.

History of Suriname Motorsport Park

The journey toward Suriname’s first racetrack began in 2006 with Motosur’s establishment. As a foundation dedicated to promoting motorsport, Motosur initially organized competitions across different locations in Suriname. However, the absence of a dedicated track meant that many races were held in unsuitable areas or on public roads, which raised safety concerns.

In response, the Surinamese government formed a working group in 2010, chaired by Justice Minister Santokhi, with the aim of reducing illegal street racing by establishing a legal space for motorsports. After years of planning, Suriname Motorsport Park finally opened in 2013, with Motosur’s long-term vision being to create additional tracks around the country.

Suriname Motorsport Park: Specs and Capabilities

Suriname Motorsport Park’s layout may be simple, but it fulfills a significant role for the local racing community. The track measures one kilometer in length and 18 meters in width, designed specifically for drag racing, a popular form of motorsport in Suriname. With its wide lanes, the track accommodates head-to-head racing, offering high-speed excitement for participants and fans alike.

The park includes basic grandstand seating and infrastructure to support events. However, due to limited resources, the visitor capacity is modest, serving local enthusiasts rather than large-scale events or international races. While initially envisioned as the starting point for broader motorsport development in Suriname, SMP remains the only dedicated racing venue in the country.

Current Status of Suriname Motorsport Park

SMP is primarily active on select weekends when organized drag races are scheduled, with Motosur hosting events that attract both participants and spectators. These events bring the park to life, with racing enthusiasts coming together to celebrate the sport and enjoy a safe, controlled racing environment.

However, activity at the park is limited to these race days, leaving SMP quiet and largely unused for much of the year. Without regular maintenance, this downtime has contributed to a state of disrepair, with infrastructure suffering from neglect and vandalism. When the park is not buzzing with spectators, the reality of the facility’s upkeep becomes apparent.

A Struggle with Maintenance

On non-event days, SMP paints a starkly different picture. Multiple visits reveal broken windows, dilapidated grandstands, and buildings bearing the marks of both time and vandalism.

Overturned refrigerators and freezers—likely left behind from event concessions—have been found scattered around, their rotting contents left to decay. This neglected state is both a contrast to the energy of race days and a reminder of the park’s struggles with resources and maintenance.

Despite its vibrant role in local motorsport, SMP’s condition raises questions about its future. Without increased investment or regular upkeep, the facility faces an uncertain path. As the track stands now, the disconnect between event-day vibrancy and the everyday reality of SMP reflects the challenges that Motosur and the local racing community face in sustaining the sport’s growth.

Reflections and Anecdotes

Suriname Motorsport Park is a testament to the love of motorsport in Suriname. It has provided a safe, legal space for racing, channeling the energy of street racing culture into a controlled, organized environment.

However, the track’s current condition serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in maintaining a facility on limited resources and sporadic event schedules. While Motosur’s goal to expand motorsport infrastructure in Suriname remains, the upkeep of SMP underscores the need for additional support and perhaps even a renewed vision for the facility.

As Suriname Motorsport Park continues its journey, it stands as both a symbol of local passion and an example of the need for long-term planning in motorsport development. With the right support, SMP could evolve from a modest track into a thriving hub for motorsport in Suriname. But for now, its legacy remains one of contrasts—high-energy race days set against the quiet, sometimes neglected reality of an under-resourced track.