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If you've every wondered what it's like to feel the power of racing a speed bike, then you have the opportunity to turn that into a reality.

The Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club's season drops the green flag on Sunday at Southside Raceway. As a way to rev up interest in the sport, the BMRC will be hosting race schools on Saturday to give enthusiasts a taster of what it's like to move a bike through the chicanes of the track.

President Shannon Caisey said the club hopes to convert some of those students into Sunday racers.

"We're going to open a race school, which is going to be hosted every race day starting at 12 o'clock," Caisey said. "It's going to have educational classes to teach people who are interested in racing the art of motor sport and the techniques and skills needed to be successful.

"This is for entry level riders who are trying to get into racing. We also have some riders who have done some racing but would like a little bit of additional training. We're trying to get some brand new riders into the classes."

He said after a long off season, the racers can hardly wait to get back on the track and test themselves against the competition.

"Everyone's chomping at the bit to try to prove their points to see if the best of the best is still the best. It also provides opportunity for other riders to challenge these guys.

"There's been a lot of trash talk. Everbody's been really hyped up and ready to go so when the flag drops we'll see who can back it up."

Hot

The president added the competition for titles should be hot.

"Cyril is making his comeback to racing after taking some time off and will be racing in the 600 Class. Paul DeCouto is back out. Keanu Wilson is going to challenge in the 600 Class and moving up from the 125 Class."

Caisey said Bruce DeGrilla would be defending his 125 title.

"Jazari Caisey will be back out to defend his 70cc title. All of last year, he and Shae Darrell went toe-to-toe."

Kenny Desilva will be the pre-season favourite to win the Scooter Class.

Caisey added: "To come in as a rookie and win the title is unheard of. We have some new people to come in and battle in with him so there should be some very exciting racing."

The president added the sport has a lot of young talent already on the track like DeGrilla and Wilson so it shows that anyone can come in and make an impact.

"The younger kids adapt to the sport, and the craft, very fast," he said. "We start them off as young as four or five years old so they come up through the ranks from mini bikes right on up.

Remarkable

"By the time they get to the gear bikes or the scooters, they have really achieved some remarkable feats. They are definitely a force to be reckoned with - even with some of us 'older senior riders' who have years and years of experience. These younger riders come in with not as much fear. They haven't realized how fast this really is I so they aren't scared. They wait until the last possible second to slow down for the turn whereas the older riders slow down a little earlier."

Caisey, who rides for the Pizza House team, said they will be competing in several classes across the racing spectrum.

He said Sunday the gates will open at noon and fans will have a chance to walk down pit row to talk with the riders and the mechanics about racing and their bikes. There will be some special music happening with racing starting at 2pm.

"This will be like an open house. There will be some displays and some entertainment for the spectators."[[In-content Ad]]

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