Paul DeCouto has proven he can hold his own on the big stage, winning multiple regional titles on the Champions Cup Series (CCS) in the US in recent years to underline his pedigree.But nothing comes remotely close to the remarkable milestone the Bermudian motorcycle racer achieved at one of the world’s most famous racetracks last weekend.Against great odds, DeCouto was crowned National Champion in the Formula Expert 40 class during the CCS Race of Champions at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida.It was a spectacular achievement that far exceeded the 41-year-old athlete’s expectations heading into the six-lap winner-takes-all sprint.“I was optimistic that I could possibly place in the top ten,” DeCouto said. “but I didn’t think I was going to win it because on a national level you have a lot of people who are really super fast.”The defining moment of the race unfolded on the final leg when leader James Cohrs strayed off the racecourse to virtually hand DeCouto the title on a silver platter.Unaware of his accomplishment, DeCouto only learned he had actually won the race when his brother Steven broke the good news to him after all was said and done on the racetrack.“One of the front runners (Cohrs) actually went off course and I passed him,” he said. “When I came back into the pit I thought I was still in second place but my brother said I won that race.“He said it had been announced on the PA system that I had been crowned National Champion and asked to come to the podium. I didn’t take him seriously at first and I told him ‘no way, this must be a mistake’. I couldn’t believe it.”Nearly a week after experiencing one of the finest moments of his career DeCouto has yet to fathom the full gravity of his remarkable accomplishment.“It’s really just starting to sink in,” he said. “I’m just just pleased that my skill level is now being recognised.”Perhaps more rewarding for DeCouto was winning a race at one of the world’s most revered racetracks.“Daytona is one of the most prestigious racetracks in the world and to win there alone is a huge accomplishment in itself,” he said. “That’s a huge accomplishment on an expert national level racing against top guys like current Middle Weight Supersport National Champion James Cohrs.”For added measure DeCouto placed fourth in a field of 42 riders in the Expert GTO class and sixth out of 21 entries in the Expert Heavyweight Superbike class.He also placed eighth in his respective class competing with younger sibling Steven in the Michelin Team Challenge Series.Steven DeCouto also competed in the Amateur Unlimited GP where he finished at the back of the 11 bike field on his motorcycle racing debut.“He’s a good, natural rider,” said elder brother Paul. “He’s a good team mate to work with and is very focused, which is very nice.”