The grieving father of 14-year-old motorcycle star Toriano Wilson yesterday told how Sunday's tragic race was the first time the youngster had competed without him being there.

Dennis Wilson had been an ever-present at the track throughout Toriano's short career, a proud father cheering on his son as he chased his dream of becoming a world championship competitor.

But last week, Mr. Wilson decided to let the teenager go it alone at Virginia International Raceway, to give him valuable experience as he embarked on the tough path towards being a professional racer.

Devastatingly, Toriano was killed when he fell on the track and was struck by another rider as he attempted to get out of the way.

Mr. Wilson told The Royal Gazette: "I was here at home. It was actually his first without me. "We were trying out to see whether or not he could deal with me not being there.

"If he was going to be a professional, there would be times he would have to do it without me being there."

After being told the heartbreaking news over the phone, Mr. Wilson flew out to North Carolina, where he has been supported by friends within the motorsports community during the week.

This morning, he was due to fly back to Bermuda, where tributes have been pouring in for the youngster described by his principal as an eagle who flew, touched the sky and followed his passion.

Mr. Wilson is a former road racer himself and Toriano had been striving to follow in his footsteps. Touted by some as a potential world champion, the youngster was taking part in the Red Bull AMA US Rookies Cup, funded in part by his father's decision to sell his own bike and car.

Yesterday, Mr. Wilson said he believed his son could have made it to the top.

He added that despite the tragedy he wanted racing to continue in Bermuda.

"He wanted to ride ever since he was little, watching me ride," said Mr. Wilson.

"He was going to go all the way to (world championship) GP. That was his dream.

"He was already on his way. Everyone knew that. It was definitely possible for him.

"It was an achievable dream for him to make good GP. There was never any doubt in anyone's mind that saw him ride.

"He was a fun-loving kid that loved to race and was one of the best at it. When he first started, he was 11.

"We wouldn't let him for a long time and then we let him go. From his mother and I, all we want to say to it is that the racing continues. That's what he would have wanted."

Mr. Wilson requested that people do not attempt to greet him at the airport — but said they are welcome to visit the family's St. David's home.

This Sunday's meeting at Southside has been called off and replaced by a Toriano memorial event.

Bermuda Motorcycling Racing Club spokesman Paul DeCouto said fellow racers were in shock and had asked for the weekend to be dedicated to the youngster.

"It's still fresh in everyone's minds and in their hearts. We want to get everyone together: everyone who knew Tori; everyone interested in racing. Come down with the Motorcycling Racing Club family," said Mr. DeCouto.

"I was hoping we could still ride, because that's what Toriano would have wanted.

"But we decided as a club that we would have a quiet weekend."

The event, which will feature a DJ, entertainment for children and refreshments, runs all day from noon.

Mark Niemi of Central Motorcycling Roadracing Association, whose club member Garet Tomlinson was injured in the crash, said in an e-mail to this newspaper: "Motorcycle racing can be something that's hard to understand for many people. It can easily be explained with one word: passion.

"Toriano will be missed. But he will be remembered. For now, our hearts are broken into a million pieces."