BMRC Kicks Off National Championship Series
The Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club [BMRC] kicked off its 2015 National Championship Series in fine form last Sunday, June 14th.
Southside Motorsports Park roared to life as local racers got their first taste of regular season action in the Mini Youth, Mini Adult, Streetbike, Mini GP, and Scooter 70 classes. Fans were able to watch not only by coming out to the St. David’s race track, but also by following live updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the new live-streaming app Periscope.
New for 2015 was the Mini Youth class, contended by youngsters who all train at the weekly Pitster Pro Riding Clinics. Daniel Chadwick secured the early championship points lead by winning two of the three races; Sheun Simmons picking up the win in the last race of the day. Six year old Aiden “Speedy” Simmons had mechanical problems with his personal bike, borrowed a loaner, and still managed to finish all three races, logging championship points and valuable seat time in the process.
The Mini Adult class provided the most intense battles all day. Veteran racers Bruce DeGrilla Jr and Jevaughn Simons led the proceedings, with the former notching up two wins to the latter’s one. Outlaw Racing’s Duanjai Lambe earned podium finishes in every race, despite finding himself on the ground at some point in each of those races. Lambe won the Streetbike race aboard a street-legal Kawasaki KLX 125 as well.
Filled with newcomers to the local racing scene, the Mini GP class was a showcase for new talent. Rookie Justin Tucker dominated the class winning both races he started, but mechanical issues sidelined him for one race. CJ Richardson took advantage of Tucker’s absence to bring home his first race win. Sandy Benevides scored two thirds and a second.
Exemplifying the mantra “in order to win the race, one must first finish” Ricky Wade won all three Scooter GP races on the day. Despite commanding leads and superior pace, Devon Bailey ended the day with nothing to show, having mechanical issues bring him DNFs [Did Not Finish] in all three races.
A spokesperson said, “The success of the race day at Southside was matched by the club’s success on social media. Race fans worldwide had an opportunity to watch Bermudians enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon racing against the backdrop of a glistening Clearwater Beach. Followers of the club’s Instagram, Twitter, Periscope [@bmrc_bda on all three apps] and Facebook Page were liking, tweeting, and sharing pictures and videos all day long.
“These stunning images spread far and wide, even attracting attention from some leading figures in American motorcycle racing. This trend is set continue as the next race date is set for June 28th, when the BMRC will host its first Ride and Swim Race Day. Visit www.bmrc.bm for more details and full race season calendar.”
Great job to all, especially my boy Speedy!
