Sports minister Owen Darrell is adamant that he is the man to beat heading into Bermuda Motocross Association’s Celebrity Race at Bermuda Motorsports Park at Southside, St David’s tomorrow.

Darrell will compete against the likes of boxer Nikki Bascome, comedian Nadanja Bailey and footballer/singer Jesse Seymour to name a few and is confident of success.

“I don't think that the other celebrities in the race are any good,” he told The Royal Gazette. “The competition is a little watered down as I would call it, so I feel that I have an advantage even before I walk into the race.

“I think that the Bermuda Motocross Association have tried their best to give me some competition, but I am going to show them a lesson.”

Darrell remains confident despite having never competed in the sport.

“I had a V50 back in the day when I was 16 years old, and if you had a V50 you knew how to ride,” he said.

“Some people have said a V50 is a lot different than a motocross bike, but I do have a background in riding a motorcycle.

“It has two wheels, it has an engine, so you just add some dirt and some bumps and I'll be fine.”

The event will pit the former schoolteacher against one of his student, artist/entertainer General Kaution.

“Many people may not know he was a former student of mine, so I look forward to giving him some lessons on the track as well,” Darrell said.

Among the other competitors that could pose a threat to the Minister’s title hopes is Bascome, who has experience competing in the sport and is the son of late motocross rider Derek “Briggs” Bascome.

“My friend Aaron Cannonier lets me ride his bike sometimes and I enjoy that,” he said.

“I am no professional and it has been awhile since I’ve actually rode a scrambler, but I hope that experience works in my favour come Sunday.

“It’s just muscle memory really. Once you get to learn the track you just go out there and ride.

“I also have a little history as my dad Derek ”Briggs” Bascome was a motocross rider and pioneer of the sport in Bermuda. His number was 103 and I plan on wearing his number on Sunday.”

In response to Minister Darrell’s assertion, Bascome refused to be drawn into a war of words.

“He can feel that way and I don’t have nothing to say about it,” he said. “That’s how he feels, so we will see what happens on Sunday.

“I think it's a good event, good vibes and I’m just looking forward to having some fun. Having some races and enjoying the day out.”

Comedian Nadanja is also making his debut in the event.

“I don’t know why they asked me, that’s the first thing,” he said. “I am the safest person out there and I will not be crashing.

“The way you start is the way you have got to finish, and I don’t care if I come last.”

Asked if he has previously ridden a motocross, Nadanja promptly replied: “Only on PlayStation.”

As for the Minister’s assertion, the veteran entertainer also refused to engage in the pre-race banter.

“I have no response to that and he can do whatever he wants to do,” he said. “My goal is to start and finish.

“If he wants to leave me in the dust, by all means leave me in the dust. But I tell you what, he better not deck out.”

Multitalented MC and social-media personality Mr Fotogenik, musician Fire Wayne, influencer Karlandra, Belco president and former PLP MP Wayne Caines, Scooter Mart president Nick Thomson and fashion, radio and lifestyle influencer Sakaela Ebbin-Simons make up the remainder of the celebrity field.

Tomorrow’s event will also feature regular races among various classes, with vendors, door prizes, raffles and a Kids Fun Zone on offer for spectators.

Minister Darrell has urged the public to come out and support the family-oriented event en masse.

“We saw how many people showed up for the Coney Island events,” he said. “That was good; it was scrambling and was nostalgic.

“But that actually wasn't put on by the Bermuda Motocross Association, so I want just as many people that went down to Coney Island to try to get down to the motocross track down in St David's to support what is going on with the Bermuda Motocross Association.”

Gates open at noon, with racing to commence at 12.30pm.