Motorcycle racers Jevaughn Simons and Cyril Whitter will showcase their skills for a worthy cause during this weekend’s M1-GP 24-hour endurance race at the Willow Springs International Raceway in Los Angeles, California.

The pair form part of an American team that will take part in Saturday’s event to raise money for charity.

Both riders are venturing somewhat into the unknown as Simons is making his maiden appearance in a 24-hour endurance race while Whitter is competing in this type of event for the first time overseas.

Simons, who previously excelled on the Michelin/WERA circuit in the United States, said: “I am actually very excited to get back into riding after being in retirement for four or five years.

“Just to get an invite to go out there and ride with these guys is really exciting. This will be my first time racing in LA. The closest I have been is probably Las Vegas, so to race in LA will be a new experience.

“I have done endurance races before, but not a 24-hour endurance race. But because I have experienced eight hour endurance races before I sort of know what to expect.

“Therefore, I have been training hard for the past month to ensure my body can take the beating.”

Whitter, who has also put a lot into his pre-race preparation, is pumped up for the big occasion.

“Two things that I am looking forward to is seeing how long we can push ourselves to the limit over a 24-hour period and obviously win it,” the Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club president said.

“We want to come out on top, we are not preparing to come second, third or fourth in a race. Endurance or not, the idea is the most laps so focus from my end is how consistent can I plug out quick laps for my stint and then handing over to my partner to put them in a position to continue and come out on top at the end of the evening.

“There’s a backdrop to the event that is charitable support, so each team has to raise funds that’s donated to charities. And we are supporting a US charity that provides safety equipment for US circuits.”

Teams will compete on Honda CRF 50cc bikes, a far cry from what Simons and Whitter are used to riding.

“It may be a small bike ... but just to be on a bike for those amount of hours is really strenuous on the body,” Simons added.

The pair departed for California yesterday.