'It's all about the thrill or riding on the edge'

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14: Jacob Sousa is definitely not afraid of a challenge. 

As a newcomer on the scene Sousa, age 24, jumped right into the 600 Superbike Class when he joined the BMRC in 2012. 

Having started riding motorcycles at the young age of seven it is the intensity, speed and pushing his personal limits and that of a motorcycle that captured this riders heart. Sousa said: “It is all about the thrill of riding on the edge and competing with other skilled riders. Playing the constant game of cat-and-mouse is always fun.” 

Sousa has competed abroad in the Championship Cup Series on the East Coast riding a Ducati 750 and a Suzuki GSX-R 750.

“I found it refreshing to compete at speeds in excess of 160 mph, with a much larger group of highly skilled riders and machines on a full-size competition track. 

“I also found it humbling because it allowed me to really see my strengths and weaknesses. The level of competition is fierce.”

Sousa said he finds racing relaxing assisting him to clear his mind and allows him to zone in and focus.

 He is a fearless rider who looks forward to battling with the top competition in the local Superbike class; namely his nephew Cody Sousa-Saints.  

Sousa said: “I showed him how to ride and now he’s teaching me how to race.”

Family

This family dynamic definitely makes the Superbike Class an interesting tight fight with racers reaching over 100 mph in 200 metres.  As you watch Sousa out on the track you can instant recognize that racing is in his blood.

Sousa said: “My inspiration comes from the support of friends, family and fans and, of course, my sponsors: Cardoza’s Auto Group Ltd, Cycle Care Ltd, Bermuda Custom Mechanical, Paget Service Station and ASC/MAG-1 Oil Products.”

Sousa’s next steps in racing is to improve everywhere and continuously push himself to be the best he can be.

 When asked what he believed to be the best part of racing with the Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club and what advice he would give to other riders who are looking to get involved he said: “We are very family orientated and the club revolves around families and fans. It takes a lot of teamwork to organize the club and races, along with accommodation for the fans and we are very lucky to have a great group of men, women, and children who work hard to make the sport possible and keep it exciting.

“We are always encouraging young riders to get involved in a positive, disciplined and exciting sport.

“Most Bermudians who grew up like I did, would be to take it off the street and into the controlled environment of the track where you can really let your skills grow without putting others at risk. Most importantly is to enjoy it, be safe and smart.”