Veteran motorcycle racer Paul DeCouto has been crowned 2012 Championship Cup Series (CCS) Southeast Regional Champion in two classes.The Bermudian won the Expert Pirelli GTO and Expert Unlimited Grand Prix competing on his Cycle Care Racing Suzuki GSXR 1000 bike after accumulating the most points last season.He also finished runner up in the Expert Formula 40 and Expert Unlimited Supersport classes for added measure.DeCouto admitted he was shocked to learn he had been crowned multiple champion after seeing the official 2012 season results published in Road Racing World Magazine.“It came as a surprise to me when I saw the results posted,” he said.The local rider will receive his awards at next month’s 2012 Southeast Region Champions Award Ceremony at Roebeling Road in Savannah, Georgia.DeCouto, 43, produced several podium displays last season on the CCS circuit in the United States, including seven alone at last April’s Southeast & Mid Atlantic Championship Series at Carolina Motorsport Park.This year the father of one intends to compete at the semi-professional ranks.“Last season was about getting as much track time as possible,” he said. “But this season I will focus on a semi-pro National Championship.“I will focus on the ASRA Pro scheduled races, there are eight all together. This will allow me to step up to the next level of competition without breaking the bank.”DeCouto’s first race of the new season will be at Homestead Miami International Raceway on February 16 where he won the Expert Formula 40 Class last year.“This is not the first official race but I am using it as preparation for Roebeling Road Raceway in March,” he said. “I am excited and optimistic about the upcoming season.”On his previous visit to Roebeling Road in March of last year the local rider injured his shoulder and ankle after being forced off the track while trying to avoid colliding with a rival.To enhance his chances of success this year the past national Expert Formula 40 Champion has been extremely busy burning off calories in the gym.“I have been training rigorously in the gym, cycling and jogging,” he said. “I’ve lost over 100 pounds and I feel good.”