Introducing the Cleotis Chong Award

Due to illness, a few years ago we lost our friend and fellow board member, Cleotis Chong.

Back in 2018, when we held the Curacao Hillclimb for the very first time, its organisation needed responsible individuals who could be race marshals. In this process we were lucky to be introduced by Virgil Henriquez to Cleotis, who was part of the former’s drag racing team. Cleotis’ exceptional attributes were quickly identified during the event as a signalling marshal at Parc Ferme, as he helped and guided drivers into the holding area after each timed run up the “Tafelberg”.

From this point on, not only did we become friends but we also invited him to join our foundation’s board. He came onboard in June 2021 as secretary, and though circumstances didn’t allow him much time to see his ideas bear fruit, we promised to carry on with them, as we are sure he will be smiling from up above when these come to fruition.

We remember Cleotis as a man of integrity, a family man with a heart of gold, and always willing to help others. In short, he embodied the essence of what is to be a genuine motorsport enthusiast. It is in this spirit that we have established the Cleotis Chong Award, in order to keep his spirit alive and that he may be a good example for others to follow.

The Cleotis Chong Award, in Papiamento known as “Premio Cleotis Chong or Premio CC” will award $500 to the first local driver, in the applicable classes, to achieve a perfect reaction time (.000) and runs exactly on their dial-in run during a winning run. This award is presented on behalf of 16 EAST.

For detailed information about this award or to become eligible, get in touch with us via email or call +5999 511 5615.