Hard work and dedication has paid off for Paul DeCouto who has been crowned 2013 American Sportbike Racing Association (ASRA) Pro Expert Superstock USA Grand National Champion.

The 43-year old Bermudian motorcycle racer placed ninth in the final race of this year’s ASRA Pro Expert Superstock championship at last weekend’s Daytona Race of Champions XXX held in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The only thing at stake for father of one DeCouto was pride having already locked up the championship with a race to spare.

“It feels great to be the champion,” DeCouto said. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication and was well worth the struggle.

“My biggest challenge was dealing with mechanical and technical issues on the fly and being a ‘one man show’ on a shoe string budget makes things tough — especially when competing against other racers or race teams who have large budgets and endless sponsorship.”

Asked what was the key to his success, DeCouto replied: “I attribute my success to my mechanical and technical ability along with perseverance in the light of adverse conditions. I am proud to have won this title.”

DeCouto thanked all those who have made it possible for him to compete abroad.

“I would like to thank my sponsors Cycle Care Ltd, Nolan Helmets, Dunlop Tires, K-Tech Suspensions, MRP Motorsports and Livengood Motorsports,” he noted.

The veteran rider enjoyed another stellar year of racing on US soil where he managed several podium displays competing on the Champions Cup Series (CCS) and ASRA circuits.

DeCouto is also the reigning CCS southeast regional Expert Pirelli GTO and Expert Unlimited Grand Prix champion.