Motocross racing made a “spectacular” return to Coney Island following an absence of more than two decades on Sunday with thousands turning up to watch the action.

More than 100 local and international riders, ranging in age from 5 to 61, put on a dazzling display for those who attended the Dash-for-Cash event, organised by Pink Sand Scrambling.

“It was spectacular and I am very pleased at the turnout even in spite of the weather,” said Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, Minister for Public Works, who gave organisers the green light to stage the day.

“It's been an event that I think exceeded everybody's expectations in terms of the support. It demonstrates that if you put on these types of events in Bermuda people will come out, have a good time and we will have no disruption, so I am very pleased.

"I am sure that the organisers will be equally as pleased because they took a risk in doing this and you could not have asked for a better outcome.“

Local promoter and 250 Expert class competitor Jyrie Mitchell, who was among the biggest winners on the day, described the event as an overwhelming success.

“It was a successful event, that's how we done it,” he said.

“As a competitor I am happy but I’m more excited about the day. I can go back to the team and say ‘thank you guys, we done it’.

“Several thousand people tilted Coney Island, which exceeded my expectations. I am more than excited and haven't even taken it in yet that we raced at Coney Island today.

“We had more than 100 riders, 87 in the normal classes and about 50 in the extra classes. All the races were exciting but in particular the thing that stood out to me was Bermuda coming together.”

Bermuda’s Marvin Woolridge, the most senior rider in the field at 61, is hoping to see the sport return to Coney Island permanently.

“We need Coney Island back and people love it,” the former top 125 Expert class rider said.

“It was a beautiful race; well organised and my hat goes off to Jyrie and the whole committee that put it together. Most of all my hat goes off to Colonel Burch for standing alone and giving the OK.”

Woolridge turned the clock back to compete in the mechanic’s race and was feeling the effects after taking his turn on the bike.

“That was the last three laps of my life,” Woolridge said. “That's it, I've got no more for Coney Island and I'll continue being a race marshall.

"My legs are tight right now and all I want to do is go home, shower and get in my bed, but it was beautiful today.

“We had people from all walks of life from every part of the island and there was no trouble, no violence, no fights. Motocross brings that out.”

Another blast from the past, five-times former national champion John “Scrooge” Edness, also dusted off his gear to compete in the veteran’s race.

“It was stressful and the longest two laps in my life, but I was happy with my performance after not riding the bike and training,” he said.

“They left me at the gate. When I went up to the starting gate they told me 'go' because everybody was already gone, so I had to catch up. But I had fun out there even though I’ll feel it tomorrow.

“It was a very exciting day of racing and a great event that turned out well. I didn't expect this type of response but I think it was very successful.”

Among the youngest riders competing was Bermuda’s Tinho Tucker-Wall in the 65cc class.

“The event was fun,” the 10-year-old said.

“It was fun racing in front of all these people and I was kind of nervous. I came first and then decked out but came second after catching the guy in front of me.

“The track was nice and I enjoyed going up the hills, which was fun.”

Also enjoying success was Bermuda’s Zendai Ingham-Fubler, who was competing in the 250cc Expert class in front of family and friends for the first time in seven years.

“I just executed my plan and I am happy that I could show my friends and family what I have been learning,” he said.

“I am so excited and the day could not have gone any better. I’ve raced a lot of big races in America and it's nothing like Coney Island, the way everybody is on the side of the track telling you go, go, go.

“That gives you extra energy so that was amazing to see and so cool. I am lost for words really.”

The highlight for the 22-year-old was winning the opening race in his class in front of his proud father, former 125cc Expert rider Keniel Ingham, who was celebrating his 53rd birthday.

“That was the best birthday present for him,” Ingham-Fubler added.

Competing in the novice class, American Dylan Kucowski was also among the day’s big winners.

“The performance felt good and I need to do a little work on endurance, but the track was real rough so you really had to hold on,” he said.

“The event was cool and there were a lot of people here. The crowd was really going and it was definitely fun.”

Canadian women’s champion, Jamie Astudillo, was among those suffering misfortune on the track after being involved in a crash.

“I did not get to finish today after I crashed in the first moto and banged myself up a little bit,” she said.

“My hands are a little bruised but I am OK for the most part. Overall, it was a great event and Jyrie and everybody at Pink Sand Scrambling were amazing and did a great job. I would love to come back so hopefully they do it again next year.”