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Toriano too quick for rookie rivals

Toriano Wilson: Enjoying life in the fast lane.

Young Bermudian motorcycle racer Toriano Wilson logged the quickest time in a fied of 23 as the Red Bull AMA US Rookies Cup completed its second pre-season test on Tuesday at Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, Alabama.

Wilson was followed by Joey Pascarella of Vacaville, California and Leandro Mercado of Cordoba, Argentina.

The Bermuda rider was also second across the line in a simulated race and was also quickest at the first test at Laguna Seca.

He set the fastest time on his last lap of the two days and was the only rider to break the 1:34 mark.

"I'm really happy. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to do the fastest race time," said the 14-year-old Wilson. "It's just practice, so I can't get too excited about it but it was fun.

"I set the time at the end of the simulated race. Number 36 (Leandro Mercado) was going to the front and he pulled me along a bit. I'm happy, my dad is happy, and my cousin who came to the test from Bermuda is very happy."

The morning began with a track walk before the day's four sessions and ended with a simulated race in anticipation of next month's inaugural race at Barber Motorsports Park.

Race coach Kevin Schwantz said he was pleased with the results.

"It was a great end to the two days," said the 1993 world champion. "All the kids were out there racing each other, doing their best and what I like better is they are all around talking about it and sharing with each other and learning."

The next event for the Red Bull AMA US Rookies Cup is another pre-race test at Barber Motorsports Park on April 14-15, followed by the first race of the season at Barber during the AMA Superbike weekend of April 18-20.