Sunny Skies Return as Rubis Karting Championship Heats Up
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Karting Association roared back into life this weekend as clear, sunny skies replaced the severe winter weather that had previously halted the season. At a bustling Bermuda Motorsports Park, a formidable field of 42 drivers took to the track for Race 10 of the Bermuda Rubis Energy Karting Championship, delivering a day of high-octane drama and strategic racing.
In the L206 Senior class, the grid was bolstered by the arrival of newcomer Stephen Flood, though it was a familiar face who dominated the opening exchanges. Jason North showcased his veteran experience by claiming victory in the first two heats. He was followed closely by a consistent pack of Owen DeCosta, Robert Wheatley, and David Barbosa. However, the third heat provided the day's first major upset as Wheatley broke North’s streak to take the chequered flag, leaving Barbosa to settle for second while Harry Dunkley and Chris Smith filled the remaining top spots.
The TAG Senior Division saw a masterclass in dominance from Nathan DeCosta, who proved untouchable by sweeping all three heats. While DeCosta checked out at the front, the battle for the podium was fierce. Ryan Burgess and Blake Horseman fought tooth and nail for second and third in the early races, while Jorja Thomas remained a constant threat throughout the afternoon with a pair of podium finishes. Jonah Moniz added to the excitement with strong third and fourth-place efforts in the opening heats.
Junior racing was equally compelling in the TAG Junior category, where a three-way battle for supremacy emerged. Alondro Albouy was the standout performer, recovering from a tough start to win both the second and third heats. Tanner Correia had set the early pace with a victory in Heat 1, while Syah Pedro and Jonathan Linberg provided consistent pressure on the leaders throughout the day.
The KZ Shifter class, featuring 17 high-speed karts, provided some of the most intense wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend. Ryan Rebello and Chris Ricca were the models of consistency, finishing first and second respectively across all three heats. The final step of the podium, however, was a revolving door of talent. Jason Correia took third in the opener, Stephen Corrado claimed it in the second, and David Selley rounded out the day with a third-place finish in the final race.
Experience was on full display in the KZ Masters category. Jason DeCouto delivered a flawless performance to secure a hat-trick of wins, leaving the rest of the field to battle for the minor places. Rian Lindo and William Dunkley traded second and third-place finishes throughout the afternoon in a display of high-level tactical driving.
The Cadet class provided a glimpse into the future as the club welcomed two new young prospects, Miguel Cabral and Mason Sousa. Despite the new arrivals, it was Tanner Correia who swept the category with three dominant wins. Jacob Garrett remained his nearest challenger with three second-place finishes, while the debutants Cabral and Sousa acquitted themselves well to finish third and fourth respectively.
As the championship moves into its final stages, the return of optimal racing conditions has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Sunday, February 08, 2026
Barnes Masterclass Secures Florida Winter Tour Glory
IslandStats.com
Bermudian karting veteran Scott Barnes delivered a defensive clinic at the Orlando Kart Center to claim victory in the second round of the Florida Winter Tour. Competing in the highly competitive ROK Shifter Masters division, Barnes navigated 19 laps of intense pressure to cross the line in 16:53.84, fending off a relentless chasing pack to stand on the top step of the podium.
The victory served as a perfect redemption for Barnes following a frustrating opening round where he had to settle for second place despite winning the pre-final. This time, the Bermudian was flawless throughout the weekend, securing wins in the heat race and the pre-final before translating that dominance into a hard-fought final win.
Barnes led the entire 14-minute-plus-two-lap final, but the win was far from straightforward. For more than ten minutes of the race, the seasoned campaigner was forced into a defensive masterclass as his rivals looked for any opening. Drawing on three decades of racing experience, Barnes successfully "made the kart wide," proving the old racing adage that catching a driver is one thing, but passing them is quite another.
Joining Barnes in the Sunshine State was fellow Bermudian Blake Horseman, who put in a strong performance in the KZ FWT class. Horseman showed consistent pace over 19 laps, clocking a total time of 17:04.01 to secure a credible fourth-place finish in a field packed with international talent.
The results underscore the continued strength of Bermudian karting on the North American circuit as both drivers now look ahead to maintaining this momentum in the final rounds of the winter season.
Friday, February 06, 2026
Severe Weather Forces Celebrity Motocross Date Change
IslandStats.com
The highly anticipated roar of engines at the Southside Moto Sports Park has been silenced for now, as the Bermuda Motocross Association (BMA) confirms a change of date for its marquee Celebrity Motocross Race Day. Originally scheduled for this Sunday, February 8th, the event has been postponed to February 22nd due to a forecast of severe weather expected to sweep across the island this weekend.
The decision to shift the starting gate by two weeks ensures that the safety of the riders and the quality of the track remain the priority, though the delay only adds to the simmering rivalry between the local figures set to trade their suits for racing silks.
Leading the unusual lineup is the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Owen Darrell, who is stepping away from his typical role as a vocal proponent of the island's motocross resurgence to take his place on the startline. Having been a key supporter of the recent "Pink Sand Scrambling" events, Minister Darrell now seeks to lead by example in what has become a vital fundraising effort for the Association.
"Support comes in multiple ways," Minister Darrell noted. "As this is a fundraiser, I did not hesitate in saying that I would participate. Come down to the track and watch me beat the other celebrities; it’s going to be a real deal on a scrambler".
However, former Member of Parliament Wayne Michael Caines has no intention of following the Minister's lead. Caines has already initiated pre-race psychological warfare, urging the community to keep their eyes on his #06 machine. "I will be scrambling down Southside... I will win my race," Caines stated with confidence.
While the celebrity spectacle is the headline act, the event remains a crucial pillar for the BMA’s financial health. Minister Darrell highlighted the unique family atmosphere at the Southside track, where veteran riders aged 60 and over share the berms with the young stars of the National Academy.
The two-week delay provides a final window for the competitors to refine their skills before they navigate the jumps and berms alongside the BMA’s regular racing classes.
Fans are encouraged to hold onto their excitement as the countdown to the "real deal" on the scramblers officially resets.
All roads lead to the Southside Moto Sports Park this Sunday as the Bermuda Motocross Association (BMA) prepares to host one of the most anticipated events of the season: the Celebrity Motocross Race Day.
The starting gate on February 8th, 2026, will feature an unusual lineup of local figures trading their suits for racing silks. Leading the charge is the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Owen Darrell, alongside former Member of Parliament Wayne Michael Caines, both of whom have confirmed they will be on the startline to support the BMA’s fundraising efforts.
Having been a vocal supporter of the island’s motocross resurgence—most notably the "Pink Sand Scrambling" event—Minister Darrell is no stranger to the track. However, this Sunday marks a shift from spectator to competitor.
The Minister has been a proponent of the "spirit" and heart shown by Bermuda’s youth athletes, and he now seeks to lead by example.
"Support comes in multiple ways," Minister Darrell noted. "As this is a fundraiser for the Motocross Association, I did not hesitate in saying that I would participate. Come down to the track and watch me beat the other celebrities; it’s going to be a real deal on a scrambler this Sunday".
Not to be outdone, Wayne Caines has already begun the pre-race psychological warfare. Representing the starting line with confidence, Caines issued a direct challenge to his fellow competitors and invited the community to witness the spectacle.
"I will be scrambling down Southside on Sunday, come out for an amazing afternoon!" Caines stated. "I will win my race. Keep your eye on #06".
The event is more than just a race; it is a vital fundraiser for the Bermuda Motocross Association. Minister Darrell highlighted the impressive family atmosphere at the track, noting the generations of riders—from veteran athletes aged 60 and over to the young stars of the National Academy—who keep the sport's heritage alive.
Fans are encouraged to come out and support their favorite local celebrities as they navigate the jumps and berms of the Southside track alongside the BMA’s regular classes.
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Barnes takes Silver in Florida & Rubis Championship Heats Up
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s Scott Barnes secured a hard-fought second-place finish at the 28th anniversary of the Florida Winter Tour, while back home, over 40 drivers took to the track for a packed day of domestic racing.
At the Orlando Kart Center, the final of the ROK Shifter Masters Division was moved forward to 08:50 local time to evade an incoming storm. Starting from pole after his dominant Saturday, Barnes suffered a sluggish launch off the line which saw him drop to second. Despite a valiant effort to regain the lead over the 18-lap final, the Maranello Karts USA driver was unable to find a way past.
"I think I was still not fully awake cause second was all I had today," Barnes admitted. "I ran the fastest times of the final, but a bad launch put me in second and that is where I stayed. I made two good runs at the leader, but a couple of small mistakes were the difference."
On island, the Bermuda Karting Association (BKA) hosted Race #9 of the Rubis Energy Karting Championship. The L206 Senior class provided the biggest grid of the day with 14 competitors. Jason North claimed the top spot on the podium, followed by Robert Wheatley and Owen DeCosta.
The midfield provided the most intense drama of the afternoon, particularly in Heat Three. A five-way battle for sixth place saw Jessie Moniz lead Lucas Bridges, Justin Lindo, Chris Smith, and Matthew Smith across the line in quick succession. The class also celebrated two successful debuts, with Jonathan Smith and Sir DeVent completing all three heats in their first competitive outings.
The KZ Shifter class—the fastest category on the calendar—saw 14 karts reach blistering speeds. The opening heat was marred by an early incident that forced one driver to withdraw from the remainder of the event.
International guest driver A.J. Myers, hailing from North Carolina, showed his class by winning Heat One ahead of Blake Horseman and Ryan Burgess. However, the momentum shifted in the later rounds, with Ryan Rebello and Stephen Corrado joining Horseman in the top three for the final two heats. In the KZ Masters division, Jason DeCouto was the model of consistency, winning all three heats ahead of William Dunkley.
The Cadet and Junior classes showcased the next generation of Bermudian talent. Tanner Correia enjoyed a perfect day, winning all three heats in the Cadet class ahead of Jacob Garrett, before also leading the field in the TAG Junior division. Syah Pedro, Alondro Albouy, and Jonathan Linberg followed Correia home in the TAG Junior standings.
In the TAG Senior Division, the hierarchy remained largely unchanged for the first two heats, with Ryan Burgess, Blake Horseman, Jorja Thomas, and Jonah Moniz locking out the top four. Horseman finally broke Burgess’s streak in Heat Three, taking a hard-earned victory to close out the weekend.
