Local motocross rider Jamell Hassell is currently in the United States, competing in a motocross mini-series and several other separate events in the 80cc class.

The 15-year-old is entering his fourth year on the local circuit, and is being accompanied on his US odyssey by Alvin Landy, his father, and local rider Neilson DeGraff.

Hassell, who finished second overall in his class last season, is in the US training as well as competing after hearing about the idea from Bermuda Autocycle Union president, Ras Mykkal. Hassell selected races from a schedule he was sent and wanted the toughest competition possible.

Hassell was in Wisconsin for the Outdoor Supercross Suzuki State championships, where he overcame a poor start to finish second alongside some of the finest riders in the state.

"When I saw him in last place I thought he was going to stay there,'' said Landy. "But he fooled me when he started to overtake as many as 10 riders on the turns. He really tricked me, he is riding very well.'' From there Hassell went to Ponca City in Oklahoma, where he failed to qualify due to mechanical problems, and Woodstock, Illinois, in another Suzuki-sponsored event.

Once again he roared back to earn a respectable second place finish.

"I really like the tracks and I'm having a lot of fun.'' said Hassell recently.

In the District 17 Shoot-Out in Illinois, the youngster placed sixth and fifth in a pair of challenging races.

"The competiton was a lot more intense,'' Landy said. "These kids are really good and he did very well to finish where he did.'' At Lake Geneva, Wisconsin on a course similar to the one at Coney Island, Hassell finished third, where he endured another tough start.

"I don't know why, but he just seems to ride better when behind in the pack,'' said Landy.

Hassell, meanwhle, is in Chicago, where he competed in a national competition.

He had a firm grip on fourth place until he hit a jump with a 75 foot drop and went over the handle bars. He dusted himself off and continued the race to capture eighth place overall.

DeGraff, who training with Hassell, was injured on a similar jump, but hopes to be ready for the new motocross season starting in October.

Landy said that even though Hassell loves to ride, his schoolwork comes first.

Hassell attends Warwick Secondary School.

"I'm not tying my boy down to something he doesn't like, but if he wants to do the those things his schoolwork and behaviour have to be at a reasonable standard,'' said Landy. "But I think that he will never get tired of riding because he loves it.'' Landy also went on to say that his son is at his best and is ready for any competition in the 80cc class.

"Jamell can take on any past 80cc champion...he's ready for any race.'' Jamell Hassell