Hard work and dedication is beginning to pay off for Dakari White.

The Bermudian semi-professional motorcycle racer reached a milestone in his career after producing a maiden podium display on the Spanish CIV Championship circuit at the weekend.

White, who celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday, placed third in the 600cc open class competing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia.

“This podium was a result of hard work and dedication,” White told The Royal Gazette. “I am very dedicated to this sport.

“To be successful you have to invest everything you have. I train very hard, riding at least three times a week on my cycle when I’m in Bermuda. I’m also active in the gym and run.”

White also attributes his recent success to the technical and tactical support he receives from his racing syndicate, Team DR7.

“I have a very good team supporting me,” he said. “They have over 26 years’ experience in the sport and know what it takes to win.

“They provide me with a team of experienced mechanics and engineers that ensure my machine [a Kawasaki ZX6RR] performs at its best while I am racing.

“I am also lucky to be receiving coaching from Anthony West and Jacob Caldiero, two experienced racers that share their knowledge with me and help me to develop my skills.”

White’s podium display at the weekend did not go without its share of drama, as he narrowly avoided a collision late in the race.

“In the closing laps of the race the two riders in front of me had a collision entering a turn, which caused me to run wide into the gravel trap to avoid the crash,” he explained. “Luckily, I held the bike up and was able to get back on track and finish the race in third position.

“This race was very active with a lot of passing happening in the early laps. I had qualified fourth, so I knew that if I got a good start I could challenge for a podium, if not the win.”

White, whose career started at age 15 under coach Cyril Whitter, has been reduced to making cameo appearances in Spain this season because of a lack of funding.

“It took some time to get funding together so I decided to enter this season halfway through the calendar,” he said.

White crashed and was unable to finish on his season debut at the Circuit of Albacete, but bounced back with a fourth-place finish at the Circuit of Navarra before returning home in August to try to secure more sponsorship.

“Luckily, Butterfield & Vallis hopped on board and agreed to give me some support with my funding,” he said. “I was able to return for the last two rounds of the season.

“This is a very expensive sport and it’s hard to be competitive without the support of sponsors. So over the winter I hope to receive some more support from home to help me be able to represent Bermuda abroad and show the talent we can produce.

“This year was a learning experience for me and I’ve already achieved a podium.

“Next year I hope to be able to complete a full season and compete for the championship. I believe with hard work and dedication I can be a champion.”