Bermudian motorcycle rider Antoine Richards has just signed a professional contract to race in the United States over the next two years.

And what is remarkable about 22-year-old Richards is that he only began racing three years ago.

"I was 19-years-old when I had my first race and that is rather old to start," admitted Richards, nephew of former PLP leader, the late Lois Browne-Evans.

"When I go to the US and I tell them that I only started racing three years ago they are amazed. Most riders start with motocross when they are five-years-old. I have been told that I have a natural talent for racing," said Richards who just signed a contract with Kreig Robinson who is the director of business for the Michael Jordan Motor Racing Team.

Although Richards is not with the Jordan team yet, it is something he is aspiring to.

Robinson, who will act as the Bermudian's manager and agent, said this week: "We want to gauge to see where Antoine's skill level is and compare him to other riders. We are also putting him together with a riding coach Jason Pridmore."

Pridmore is a legend in the sport and had previously ridden for the Jordan team. He was the 1997 AMA 750 Supersport Champion, 2002 AMA Formula Extreme Champion and the 2003 FIM World Endurance Champion.

He is also the only American to ever stand on the podium of a World Supersport race and in 2006 he retired with 21 AMA National wins including 17 Superstock class wins – second only to Scott Russell.

Pridmore now runs the Star Motorcycle School in California and Richards has worked with him before.

Robinson said: "He is a long time friend of mine and the Michael Jordan Racing Team. He rode for Jordan for two years and has a school that Antoine has attended already. He will define Antoine skills and try to get him into the top level.

"Jason will be at the races and qualifying sessions and practice so he can give him tips and advice and also create a race strategy."

Richards said he started as an amateur and then moved up to the expert class. Now he feels he is ready for the professional ranks.

"I started in Bermuda with the (Bermuda Moto Racing Club) club at Southside.

"Then I went to Florida for a year riding 600 cc bikes. I came back in 2009 and have been working here."

Richards would often travel to the US last year for races.

"Now I will get my professional license – I suppose from when I was an amateur to now it is like a footballer going from the third division to the Premiership. To get your professional license you have to have a certain number of expert finishes and points."