Motorcycle racer DeCouto to compete in Georgia event
Expert motorcycle racer Paul DeCouto will be keen to pick up where he left off at last month’s Champions Cup Series (CCS) season opener in Miami during this weekend’s American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) and CCS event at Roebling Road Raceway in Georgia.The 43-year old Bermudian surpassed his expectations after taking the chequered flag in the Expert Formula 40 event at Miami Homestead Raceway. And he will be hoping to continue in the same vein when he makes his second appearance on this year’s CCS circuit.DeCouto will get his first taste of action in today’s ASRA Pro Stock qualifying session to determine grid positions for tomorrow’s main event.He will also compete in several CCS events to be held today and tomorrow in the Expert GTO, Expert Formula 40, Expert Unlimited Superbike, expert Unlimited GP and Expert Heavyweight Superbike classes with his modified Cycle Care Racing Suzuki GSXR 1000.DeCouto expects to have his work cut out for him against a formidable field in Georgia.“As ASRA pro racing is now AMA sanctioned the competition is sure to be stiff,” he said. “All top riders will be there looking to launch their AMA pro racing careers.”The veteran racer can hardly wait for the green flag to drop.“I am fit and ready to do battle,” he declared. “I feel composed and confident moving into the weekend. My bike is set up and running well.”DeCouto is making his first appearance at Roebling Road Raceway since injuring his shoulder and ankle after being forced off the racetrack nearly a year ago.“This is one of the fastest, flowing tracks in the USA and I usually do well,” he said, shrugging off last year’s mishap. “I will be happy with a top five finish and even happier with anything better.”Last year saw DeCouto produce several podium displays on the CCS circuit, including seven at the previous Southeast & Mid Atlantic Championship Series at Carolina Motorsport Park.He capped another successful campaign on the CCS circuit by being crowned 2012 Southeast Regional Champion in two classes (Expert Pirelli GTO and Expert Unlimited) after accumulating the most points during the season.