Decouto wins Champions Race at Daytona Speedway

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21: Paul Decouto took the chequered flag in the Champion Cup Series 28th Annual Race of Champions, held at Daytona International Speedway on October 14-16.

Competing in the Formula 40 class, which is comprised of some of the most experienced and competitive racers in the field, Paul started in the middle of the pack of thirty-four racers but stormed forward on his Suzuki GSXR 750 to an early lead which he managed to hold onto for the rest of the race.

This win follows up his victory at the Virginia International Raceway on September 24-25, where he also competed in the Formula 40 class.

In addition to being declared a CCS National Champion, Paul’s consistently low lap times qualify him to compete in the Professional racing class.

As a warm-up to the Race of Champions, Paul competed in the CCS Team Challenge, a two-hour endurance race that gave him extra time to get familiar with the technically demanding Daytona Speedway. In this effort Paul was joined by his brother Steven.

While Steven obtained his racing circuit driving qualifications several months ago, this event was his first time on the track under race conditions.

The brothers took half-hour shifts and acted as each other’s pit crew, one holding the fire extinguisher at the ready while the other refuelled and changed tyres.

Their valiant efforts were rewarded by placing eighth in the GTO Category, and sixteenth overall out of a field of thirty-seven.

“It’s a chance to help put Bermuda in the spotlight in a positive manner,” said Paul DeCouto. “While we compete hard with each other on the track, there’s a real sense of camaraderie among the racers and their support teams.”

The co-owner of Cycle Care Ltd competes for more than just the thrill of racing. “Paul’s always had a passion for racing,” said his brother Steven. “While he comes home physically tired, he’s re-charged his emotional batteries, which gives him the energy to pour into Cycle Care.”