Their common hallmark is speed - so it is little wonder motorcycle rider Chris Wallington has struck a sponsorship deal with C-Travel's new division, Quicker Ticks.

The contract for an undisclosed sum will see the Bermudian pro being used in advertising campaigns to promote the company's super-quick service in making travel and related arrangements.

“Quicker Ticks is basically fast service - tickets, car rentals, everything is done quickly.

“They were looking for a marketing plan and, because they know me, they came up with the idea to use me.

“It was perfect and I've just fitted in the spot,” explained an excited Wallington who races on the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) circuit.

This alliance will alleviate much of the financial headache which the 25-year-old has endured throughout much of his five-year career and will allow him to concentrate on making headway in his quest to be among the most successful motorbikers in the USA.

“Motor racing in general is probably the most expensive sport and motorcycle racing itself is extremely expensive.

“I've been through years of being turned down for sponsorship by companies until about two years ago when they saw I was serious and really going for it.

“Other sponsors have been funding me for the last three years and it's been a ‘Go out and do your best and we will use you for some marketing in the company' kind of thing.

“Now, this a very professional deal and it alleviates the stress of seeking extra sponsorship. Things are really happening now,” said Wallington.

Chief executive officer of C-Travel, Carl Paiva, explained that Quicker Ticks had formed a network partnership with Rosenbluth International - the world's second-largest travel management company - and would cater to clients requiring fast service “24 hours a day, seven days a week”.

Calls to Quicker Ticks' direct line will be answered at Rosenbluth International's call centre in Kentucky, USA, and bookings for airlines, hotels and car rentals will be directed to C-Travel for ticketing.

“Chris is Quicker Ticks' spokesman and we see this as an opportunity to be linked with him and, as that sector of our business grows, to assist him - as much as we can - in his endeavours to be the best he can be,” said Paiva, also a director of the new entity.

In thanking Quicker Ticks, Wallington noted the “amazing” thing about the deal is that he will be one of the “biggest-endorsed riders in the AMA national field” and it will be a totally Bermudian venture.

“For everyone within racing circles, it's a big sponsorship. It's someone's dream come true and it's managed to all happen here - a Bermudian rider with a Bermuda-based global company. It's pretty cool.”

Asked whether he will continue previous sponsorships with other local businesses, the Westco Racing team member said “it depends on them (those companies) and my restrictions”.

“The sponsors that have been with me until now obviously wanted to see me succeed. They are Bermudian companies which have backed me 100 percent from the start. They made this dream come true and because of them I am able to compete with the best riders in the USA and some of the best in the world.

“Sure, if they want to continue sponsoring me. Some of them have been with me since day one and I would like to carry them forever as best I can. They made this happen and I couldn't be anywhere near here without them,” he noted.

The Quicker Ticks partnership is a reversal of fortune for Wallington who suffered a series of mishaps earlier this year, including a high-speed collision that injured his shoulder, a pre-qualifying breakdown that thwarted his race plans and a broken spring on his front suspension fork.