A young motorcycle-racing enthusiast was fighting for his life last night after crashing his bike in Southside.

Tony Grant — nicknamed Tony De Tiger is a member of the Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club.

Club members spoke last night of their shock at his accident, while his aunt urged the people of Bermuda to join his family in prayers for him.

Police were called to the collision near Southside bowling alley around 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

A spokesman said: "It appears that a motorcycle was travelling along Southside Road when the rider, a 22-year-old St. George's man, lost control and collided with a sidewalk and a tree."

Mr. Grant was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where his condition last night was said to be "critical but stable" in the intensive care unit.

His aunt, Stacey Smith, said in an e-mail: "The family are just keeping hope and faith that God will bring Tony out of this. It's the hardest thing to go through seeing him there helpless, but he is strong and we are staying together, praying together constantly in hopes that he makes a full recovery.

"What I last heard from the doctors is that he is in serious condition but he is stable. Tony is a beautiful person on the inside and out. His smile can light up a room it is contagious.

"He has a love for speed which has had him racing on the track from a young boy winning numerous trophies and medals. He is a talented rider and has so much potential. I'm just asking the Island to pray with us for Tony, and hope that he pulls through this."

Mr. Grant is a member of the Formula team at the Motorcycle Racing Club. Until his accident, he was on course to lift the championship trophy this year.

Club founder David Jones said: "I'm shocked. He just competed over the weekend at Southside and did very well. I know him on a personal level he's a good kid and he means well.

"He's a very good rider on the track. We hope that our riders would keep their exploits to the track. He's a very good rider when he's not at the track. He puts on a great show for our fans, he's a very lovable person and everyone likes him.

"It's so unfortunate it could happen to anyone."

Mr. Grant, who works as a motorcycle mechanic, won all three of his races on Sunday in the national championship series. He also competes in motocross events. According to Mr. Jones, he won his nickname Tony De Tiger "for being very aggressive on the track".

Club president Shannon Caisey said: "It was a shock when we got the news. Tony is a very flashy type of rider, he brings a lot of excitement to racing and he's leading the championship in the Formula class with his superbike."

There is one race left of the season, on October 31, when Mr. Grant was expected to lift the trophy.

Mr. Caisey said the whole team regards each other as family.

"It's a sober moment right now. Everyone is coming together, wishing him well. We're hoping he comes through and brings back the excitement he usually brings to the track."

l Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact P.c. Eric Krueger on 295-0011.