KID biking phenomenon Jayire Mitchell is set to sign a sponsorship deal with a US motocross outlet as he prepares for a new assault in the American nationals.

Last year he won in the 50 cc class in July in the Grand Nationals in Ponco City, Oklahoma and came second in the 65 class, in the culmination of an event which had seen riders from all over the US enter.

Proud dad Shawn said the fine points on how many bikes would be provided to the nine-year-old were being hammered out.

"But it will take a commitment from us to get over to the States and race ¿ we will need to do four nationals.

"Yes he's excited but he's a down to earth kid. He loves his motocross."

The first test is the nationals in Lake Whitney in Texas in March.

But Mitchell denied his son would be under more pressure after taking his first step to fulfilling his dream of turning pro.

"This is a step towards the bigger picture. This will help him get to next level and help me groom him."

He hopes after a season with the North Carolina bike shop Jayire can move up to getting factory sponsorship.

And he believes his younger son Senoj, who is six, will also gets some help which will be welcomed by the family who shell out about $10,000 per child per season to race.

"I think after 2008 Senoj will be coming on board."

The Mitchells will get some chance to hone their skills against some North American opposition at the two-leg festive extravaganza kicking off at Southside on Boxing Day.

The four-hour meets, beginning at noon, feature visiting riders off all ages.

Eight-year-old Noah Anderson is making the trip from Tennessee to take on six-year-old Senoj and some of the older Bermudian riders in the 50 cc class including Tyquan Perinchief and Comori Matthews.

And Jayire will take on one of the top five Canadian riders.

The event, which kicks off at noon on Boxing Day and concludes on New Year's Day, will be headlined by two American hotshot pros who will take on the cream of the Bermuda amateur adult circuit.

While top honours normally go to the visitors, Mitchell smells an upset this year in the 125 cc class.

He said 21-year-old David Redding and Bradley Rideout, 22, ¿ both from Kentucky ¿ would have their work cut out against Shaki Smith who is currently leading in local races and has experience against overseas riders in Canada this summer.

"I also think those who can step up are Jonte Smith, Robbie Smith and Aaron Cannonier. They all have a good chance."