The focus will be on youth, both local and overseas, when motocross action gets underway at Coney Island on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Seven young riders have been brought in from the United States for the holiday extravaganza with the Bermuda Motocross Association opting to showcase youth riders rather than bringing in the customary contingent of senior riders from North America.

With a mixed bag of young foreign pros and amateurs gracing Bermuda's shores during the holiday period, BMA president Ashley Simmons is hoping that the tactic to feature them will not only encourage larger crowds to come out and show their support, but also hopes that the invasion of the younger riders will help to inspire local youngsters to become more involved in the sport.

"Our youngsters see a lot of senior riders competing here and on television, now we are giving them the chance to see how youngsters abroad are even becoming more involved in the sport of motocross,'' said Simmons.

"We are particularly pleased to see some female riders being brought in. We have just two female riders (Melanie Munro in 125cc and Brittany Wilson in 50cc) among our membership of about 60 and we are keen to get some more involved here in the Island.''

The ages of the overseas raiders range from a youthful seven-years-old, that rider being Calob Dowell of Texas who will be participating on a 65cc and 85cc bike. Also coming from Texas are 11-year-old Tyler Heemsbergen and 13-year-old Matt Lemoine, both of whom ride Kawasaki bikes and are being brought here by T and H Racing of Texas.

Two riders are being brought in frojm Sykesville, Maryland and they are the sister and brother team of Jessye Davis (16) and 13-year-old Mark. Jessye rides a Yamaha YZ 125cc and Mark a Yamaha YZ 85cc.

Another professional female rider competing in the holiday series is 19-year Sheena Patterson of Oakland, California who will ride a 125cc Suzuki.

The Bermuda riders who are expected to be among the most active are Gary Cann, Shaki Easton, Aaron Cannonier and Robby Smith.

Racing gets underway at 12.30 p.m. each day.