Efforts are underway behind closed doors that could see the Island's various motorsports associations amalgamate in the hope of securing considerable Government funding.

Last week Sports Minister El James advised the local motorsports fraternity to join forces and form a national body in order to gain recognition from Government and enhance their chances of receiving investment, the likes of which football and cricket currently enjoy.

And his advice hasn't fallen on deaf ears as the Island's various motorsports bodies are now prepared to do whatever it takes to meet the criteria for additional funding they claim is vital for the survival and continued development of their sports in Bermuda.

"We are now in the midst of forming a federation and are trying to get our constitution together which is all a part of grooming our club (Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club (BMRC)) as well as some of the motorsports associations such as Bermuda Karting Club (BKA) and Bermuda Motorcross Club," commented BMRC spokesman Paul DeCouto. "We have to come together as a group and if we can achieve this then we will approach Government for funding as a group effort.

"We have met in the past with Government and some of the other various motorsports associations and we are going to come up with something we can all work with and hope to have it (amalgamation) completed as soon as possible. This is a work in progress and the sooner the better."

Presently, the Island's various associations receive individual funding many claim is insufficient given the considerable cost needed to compete. And with local riders such as Toriano Wilson, Antoine Richards and Jevaughn Simons now making big strides in the USA, DeCouto believes additional Government funding can only bolster Bermuda's chances of developing world class riders in years to come.

"Some kids may not be drawn to football or other sports but are looking for another outlet to find team camaraderie and motorcycle racing does provide this," he added.

"Since Government has been gracious and given us this facility (Bermuda Motorsports Park) the sport has grown a lot in numbers. Now we have over 300 members and there is a lot more support from the public all around as well as riders travelling abroad to compete, which has brought even more attention to the sport."

Last week DeCouto accused Government of turning a blind eye to repeated requests for additional funding for rising star Wilson but yesterday retracted his claims on account of not having been properly informed.

"I would like to apologise to the Minister (James) and the Department of Youth and Sport for making the statement because I was misinformed and the information I did have at the time was that he (Toriano) wasn't getting any Government funding, which was wrong," he admitted.

"I was informed after making the statement by David Jones (BMRC president) and Cyril Whitter (BMRC vice-president) that Toriano had received some funding and I wasn't aware of that."

Having competed locally and abroad during his career, DeCouto knows just how costly maintaining a bike and acquiring essential accessories can be without significant financial backing.

Last weekend BMRC held a 'Dash for Cash' event in which nearly $1,000 was raised to help Wilson who competes in the US on the Red Bull AMA Rookie Cup circuit.

"Unlike other sports, motorsports is a very expensive sport to maintain because you are not just buying football gear. You are buying expensive vehicles that have to be maintained and just to give you an idea of some of the costs, a set of new tyres costs about $600 for a 600cc bike and around $400 for the smaller bikes," DeCouto explained.

"A leather suit can run anywhere from $800 to $3,000 for a proper suit to protect you while a set of boots can run you up to $600. A good helmet is going to cost you a considerable amount of money also. These are all of the considerations we have taken into account and so we know we are going to need Government's support.

"We are also looking for regular and corporate sponsors at any level and from the community's standpoint we want to make this club worthwhile and a huge form of entertainment that touches as many Bermudian lives as possible from a growth aspect.

"We want to show kids a new way of communicating and give them a positive alternative to drugs and any other anti-social behaviour."