Professional motorcycle racer Mark Goodwin will finally realise a dream of showcasing his talents on island at Bermuda Motorsports Park on Sunday.

The Canadian expert 400cc rider is poised to rub shoulders with local opposition in what has been fittingly dubbed as the ‘Bermuda versus Canada Race“ at the racetrack located at Clearwater Beach, St David’s.

“This whole experience is like a dream come true. I never thought in a million years it could happen, and it was just by fluke that this is all going to happen,” Goodwin told The Royal Gazette. “This will be my first time in Bermuda and I am excited.”

The Atlantic Canadian 400cc expert class champion has been afforded the opportunity to compete here through his girlfriend’s ties with the Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Association and is riding into unknown territory having never competed on a track outside of his native Nova Scotia.

“I've never ridden on another track except my home track for over 20 years,” he said.

“I know it's going to be a challenge on the Bermuda track just because there is going to be a lot of transitions from left to right and you're not going to have a lot of rest time. It's going to be a learning curve to learn the track and see how it all goes.”

Goodwin will also have to make the necessary adjustments competing on a bike with a completely different set up to what he is accustomed to.

“It's new on a lot of fronts because I use a different tyre and even though it's the same bike it's set up a little different and I don't know what the traction is going to be like,” he said.

“It's a new experience to me and I definitely don't want to wreck the bike or take out any riders.”

David Jones, the BMRC founder and president, believes the guest rider has his work cut out competing in unfamiliar track conditions against the island’s elite.

“Mark is going to be up against our guys and this will be an eye opener for him because it’s a small track and he is not used to small tracks,” the former professional rider said.

“Our riders have been riding the track for years and are used to it, so he is going to have his hands full. But he is a professional and professional riders adapt to whatever track they have to race at.”

The Bermuda Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee has high expectations for the event.

“It should be a barn burner and I can’t wait to see it happen,” he said. “I am looking forward to a fun-filled afternoon of an exciting Father’s Day event.

“We’re hoping to get a great day in and hopefully without any mishaps.”

Racing begins at 1pm with the mini bikes showcasing Bermuda’s up and coming riders followed by a one-hour endurance race and sprint races in the 400cc class.