The penultimate round of the 2024 Gauteng Xross Country Club series was held on Saturday 5 October 2024 in Bronkhorstspruit, but this was not just another race day.
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Images by Action In Motion.
It was the Pink Race in support of breast cancer awareness. The pits and the track were transformed into a vibrant spectacle of pink riders, teams and spectators united to show their support and solidarity for a cause that has touched so many lives.
The event featured two unique classes – the Pink Ladies and the Pink Dudes – which added a special energy to the day. These classes brought together competitors, who do not usually race, all united by the spirit of camaraderie and compassion.
Riders were treated to a challenging track with a great mix of fast sections and tight and twisty sections and with the end of the season in sight, tensions were at an all-time high as riders not only battled for the win, but also for some crucial points in their respective championship hunts.
The morning session started off with the quad category, which saw some fierce racing. Class winners were:
Q1: Carly Saaijman
Q2: Hannes Saaijman
QLadies: Kaili van Staden
QMasters: Roxy dos Santos
QVeterans: Banie Barnard
QSocial: Jacques Louw
The junior competitors showed incredible skill and talent on the track. The following riders walked away with the glory:
50cc: Rogan Mathews
65cc: Declan Richards
65cc Rookie: Rogan Schwim
Jnr85cc: Liam Scheepers
Jnr85cc Rookie: Joshua Fotheringham
Snr85cc: Deruk van Aswegen
Junior Social: Zayden Esterhuizen
There was serious competition in the senior classes, with these riders coming out on top:
OR1 Pro: Matthew Wilson
OR2 Pro: John Botha
OR3 Pro: Cameron Becker
Highschool: Nathan Westerdale
OR4: Drikus van der Merwe
Seniors: Vernon Louw
Masters: Pieter Höll
Veterans: Geoff Den
Ladies: Brooklyn Lilford
OR1 Pro-Am: Benru Strydom
OR2 Pro-Am: Dieter de Wet
OR3 Pro-Am: Phillip Hobbs
Senior Pro-Am: Edwan Gower
OR1 Rookie: Stefan Labuschagne
OR2 Rookie: Ethan Schana
OR3 Rookie: Stefan de Klerk
Senior Social: Hendrik Steynberg
Pink Ladies: Shelley Compaan
Pink Dudes: Adruan Pretorius
GXCC Round 7 is definitely a day that will be remembered.
As the dust settled on Bronkhorstspruit, there was a feeling of accomplishment in the air. GXCC’s Pink Race was a reminder that motorsport has the power to bring people together, not just for the thrill of a race, but to make a meaningful impact off the track as well.
The final round of the season will be held on 16 November 2024 in Fochville.
