Professional motocross rider Jonah Smith will be among the star attractions during the New Year’s Day racing at the Bermuda Motorsports Park at Southside, St David’s.

The 21-year-old, who turned pro last year, competes on the American Motorcylists Association Supercross Championship in the United States.

“To be a pro rider speaks for itself,” Gannon Trott, the Bermuda Motocross Club president, said. “You have to be dedicated and put in the time, energy and effort.

“It takes blood, sweat and tears to become a pro and Jonah has done that. When people come down on Tuesday to see him they’re going to see the fruit of his labours.

“Jonah is one of the few that has turned professional for AMA and the Bermuda Motocross Club are proud of him.”

Smith, who made his pro debut at the Mini O’s in Florida last year, is competing in the expert class.

Other high-profile riders competing will be American pair Dylan Kucowski and Austin Schafer. Kucowski is competing in the expert class and compatriot Schafer in the 85cc class.

Both riders have made considerable strides in the sport lately in the United States.

“Dylan just went to the B class,” Trott said. “Over in the US they have A, B and C class. The C class is like the introductory where most of our guys compete when they go away. He just moved up to B class, which gives our guys a benchmark to gauge themselves.

“Austin just got moved up to the 85cc class, so he is one of the fastest 65cc riders out there, which also gives our guys a benchmark.”

Top local riders competing among the experts will include Aaron Cannonier and Zamair Darrell, who hopes to follow in Smith’s footsteps and compete professionally.

Cannonier has plenty of momentum, having recorded a clean sweep of victories in the three heats contested in the expert class on Boxing Day.

“It’s going to be some serious action and our guys are ready,” Trott added. “It’s going to be hot.”

Organisers have scheduled a full day of racing on New Year’s Day to include a veteran’s race, mechanics race and mother’s race in addition to regular racing.

Racing starts at 12:30pm.

Meanwhile, regular points racing will be held at Southside Raceway tomorrow, starting from 12:30pm.