today as he continues the pursuit of a dream.

The 21-year-old from Southampton, fresh from the remarkable success of his first season in amateur motorcycle racing in the United States, left for Florida on Tuesday to compete in three races at Daytona.

Wallington made a big impact in his debut season, finishing second in the Grand Prix singles division of the Florida and South East Region Championship Cup Series.

Riding a 125cc Honda, he also came fifth overall in Lightweight Grand Prix Class, where he was up against professional riders, some on 250cc machines.

As a result, this weekend he is likely to be moved up to the expert class, pitting him against tougher opposition, but keeping him on course to achieve his ultimate goal -- to become a factory rider for one of the top bike manufacturers.

Wallington's first two races at Daytona will be the GP Singles race today and the Lightweight Grand Prix on Friday, both over seven laps, before he competes in the 25-lap GT3 race on Saturday.

He was hopeful of finishing in the top 10 each time, but admitted his 125cc bike would lose out to more powerful machines on the Daytona track.

"Daytona is all about top-end speed, not cornering speed -- 75 per cent of the circuit is straight or high-speed banking,'' said Wallington. "My 125 will be low on power against the 650s and 750s and it's only on the corners I'll be able to make up some ground.'' Wallington knows he needs to impress this year to catch the eye of the factory scouts. "Generally, they don't take on guys any older than 26, so they need to know about me now,'' he said. "But to be a factory rider and race a machine that costs $2.5 million just to rent for the season -- well, that would be great.'' Wallington may have made an impressive start, but he admitted his career could be nipped in the bud by the expense involved.

It is only the financial support of his father Leslie, who is in the construction business, that enables him to carry on.

He estimated the total cost of travel between Bermuda and the US, track fees and bike maintenance would this season add up to around $97,000.

"It could come to the point where if I don't get sponsors I could have to give up by April or May of this year,'' he added.

The young rider said he had approached several local businesses for backing.

Anyone wishing to help him can contact him on 238-0343.

Speed merchant: Southampton's Chris Wallington shows off the cornering skills which he hopes will keep him on course for his dream of a career as a factory rider and earn him a top ten place when he flies the flag for Bermuda at the world-famous Daytona racetrack in Florida today.