National

Woodside Gets On Track With Sim Trainin

UNITED STATES – From Rayne Woodside’s virtual racing journey to the national stage, to Sebastian Walcott’s rising baseball career, and the honouring of top Bahamian athletes, it has been a week of notable achievements across the sports world.

Published

2 months ago

October 16, 2025

10th Year Seniors

UNITED STATES – An unlikely story that began with a childhood dream has one Bahamian making real strides toward a future in professional motorsports.

Rayne Woodside has mapped out his racing journey through simulated racing and social media, using both to build his profile and open new doors in the sport.

Inspired by the Disney Pixar film Cars, Woodside first developed his passion for racing through video games. But after moving several times between Calgary, Alberta, The Bahamas, and the United States (Virginia and Tennessee), he almost gave up on pursuing racing professionally due to the high costs and lack of sponsorship.

His breakthrough came when he turned to sim racing and began sharing content on Instagram and TikTok. His growing online following attracted the attention of multiple racing teams and companies, eventually leading to a trip to Las Vegas to test drive a Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo.

Now a member of Praga Kart’s 615 Racing Team in Nashville, Tennessee, Woodside finished fifth in his first race with the team at the Music City Kartplex. He’s also building his personal brand as an ambassador for Redline Ace Design Agency and VRS Sim Racing, setting the stage for a potential leap into the professional ranks.

Walcott Sidelined in Arizona Fall League

Texas Rangers top prospect Sebastian Walcott has been temporarily shut down from play in the Arizona Fall League due to forearm fatigue, putting his promising start on hold.

The Rangers say Walcott will rest for about a week before being re-evaluated.

Before the setback, the 19-year-old shortstop showed why he’s considered one of baseball’s most exciting young talents. Playing for the Surprise Saguaros, he recorded two hard-hit balls on Tuesday night — a 104.3 mph single followed by a 110.1 mph double to nearly the same spot.

Walcott recently wrapped up a full season at Double-A Frisco, where he hit .255 with 19 doubles and 13 home runs, impressive numbers for one of the youngest players in the Texas League.

The Rangers remain optimistic, calling the injury a precautionary setback as Walcott continues his development.

Top Bahamian Athletes Receive National Honours

Some of the country’s most celebrated athletes were recognized this week during the 2025 National Honours and Investiture Ceremony at Government House on National Heroes Day.

Hundreds of national heroes were honoured, with several standout athletes receiving top distinctions:

Jonquel Jones, six-time WNBA All-Star, and Steven Gardiner, Olympic gold medalist, both received the Order of Distinction – Companion.
Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. also received the same honour.
Rising basketball stars Kai Jones and VJ Edgecombe were awarded the Order of Lignum Vitae.

Prime Minister Philip Davis praised the honourees, calling them “the reason The Bahamas continues to stand tall through every storm,” and encouraged young Bahamians to draw inspiration from their dedication to excellence.