JESSE Toler proved why he’s the holder of two motorcycle stunt world records at Bikefest at the National Arena in St Andrew on last Sunday. He fought the local off the contingent despite the home-court advantage to give the United States the victory over Jamaica.

“The show was really good. A huge improvement over my last visit [five years ago] in every aspect. ‘Cutter’ lent me his bike, so I was able to get a day’s practice in,” Toler told Auto.

The American proved to be a one-man show, satisfying both judges and the crowd to win the most sectional prizes out of the eight stunt categories. Even with the island’s atop talent hot on his heels, he managed to grab Best Circle Wheelie, Best Freestyle trick (big bike) and Sickest Trick. When it came to his specialty, the stoppie, or as its known locally, the endo, Toler had the audience straining in their droves to see him in action. Using a method completely different to the Jamaican riders he was able to take a fourth trophy for performing the Longest Endo (riding on the front wheel only). Using a more measured start then ramping up the acceleration at the last moment to get the bike on its nose, he rolled it on its front wheel all the way to the safety rails for victory.

“I think our internal rivalries got the best of us,” said Marlon ‘Crazy Cutter’ Fletcher on Jamaica’s loss.

He felt the home team’s lacked cohesion and that Toler went for more simple flashy tricks than more technical stunts.

The other categories were spread out across the local bikers with Sickest Wheelie going to Clifton ‘Buju’ Williams, Best Tandem went to Elvis ‘Mad Dog’ Stewart and Best Burn Out to Jerome ‘Grenga’ Shorter.

“This was our best year yet as we’re trying to build the brand,” said Gregory McFarlane, co-promoter.

While McFarlane admitted to first time challenges with the venue, the success of Bikefest has his organising team looking at holding a second event later in the year or early in 2015.