American motocross rider Dave Oettel recently clipped some six seconds off the previous fastest lap time at Coney Island -- 58 seconds by Robbie Smith -- and says he can go even faster! Oettel, who spends so much time flying through the air that he might need clearance from air traffic control at the nearby airport, has been delighting motocross fans with his aggressive riding.

He has been in Bermuda since the November 11 holiday and it was on the Sunday after that he zipped around the track in 52 seconds.

Even without much competition from other riders in the 125B class, Oettel, a professional back in the United States, is enjoying himself as he competes against the clock.

"They don't have that much land to work with but it's pretty good for what they've got,'' said Oettel of the track at Coney Island which is compact compared to what he's used to.

"In the States they are much bigger and with more jumps. There are a lot of kids down here taking it serious which is good to see.'' Now in his off-season, Oettel will be here until December 15 before heading home for two weeks and then returning for the Boxing Day and New Year's Day holiday programme as he prepares for the East Coast Supercross which begins on February 14.

In local races, Oettel rides both the 125cc and 250cc bikes but in pro events he rides the 125 bike. "Hopefully in the next couple of years I'll be up to the 250,'' he added.

Oettel was down at Coney Island this week helping with some repair work and he thinks the track will lend itself to an even faster time than he recorded recently.

"The 52 (seconds) was pretty rough but hopefully I can do better than that,'' said Oettel, who races again tomorrow.

Reminiscent of stuntman Evil Knievel, Oettel is familiar with the name but, at 19, too young to know much about the man.

"I just know he broke a lot of bones and jumped big gaps,'' said the youngster.

"I've broken a lot of bones, too, but not even close to what he's broken.

I'll be riding for as long as I can, I'm having a blast. As long as I keep getting faster and going to places like this I'll keep riding.'' Certainly Oettel's presence in Bermuda has been a boost for motocross which has seen a fall in numbers recently.

Ras Mykkal, a former rider and president of Bermuda Autocycle Union, captured the spectacular photos of Oettel in action. He says the American does things, like the `heel clicker' (touching his heels over the arms while holding the handlebars -- all while airborne) which locals should definitely not attempt.

"When I was riding in I saw him go across and I knew right away it wasn't a local rider because the obstacle our riders would clear in two hops he cleared in one swoop,'' said Mykkal.

"He definitely has a lot to offer. In talking to him he's been helping some of the young guys, teaching them techniques and strategy, but how much sinks in would be another story.

"Locals would have to lift themselves to another level if they wanted to contend with his calibre.'' Added Mykkal: "I mentioned to the new committee as I did when I was involved as president that what they need to do is bring four riders of his calibre down and have a ride just for them. For the spectators it would be one great race.'' Over the years a number of overseas riders have graced Coney Island, including Ezra Lusk who is one of the highest paid riders, earning more than a million dollars a year.

"Ezra, who is now a professional for the Honda Factory, came down here when he was 14-years-old and as an 80cc rider beat our best 250 riders,'' said Mykkal.

Mykkal stressed that the top riders only reached that level through hard work and sacrifice. "Guys here are not serious, but you have to do the hard work before you can enjoy the victory,'' said the former president.

"I would venture to say that back in the United States, Oettel probably trains two to three hours a day.

"The tracks out there are bigger and faster and the jumps are higher but in Bermuda we race around in a teacup.'' Dave Oettel: teaching locals a lesson during his stay in Bermuda.

Photos by Ras Mykkal Easy rider: Wisconsin's Dave Oettel will be aiming to smash his own track record at Coney Island when he races in tomorrow's Bermuda Autocycle Union meet.