Rounds 4 and 5. Upington.
It was an unbelievably good weekend of racing in the desert sands of Upington over the womens day long weekend. The fastest riders in the country gathered to slog it out in the desert sand…
The Husqvarna Racing Team had a really great day despite some aches and pains,
Davin Cocker reigned on the weekend, leading from start to finish.
Husqvarna had a great weekend.
Day 1 saw Davin Cocker leading from the start to finish first in class and overall.
Luke Walker had a tough race – he won his class and finished fifth overall.
Day 2 saw Cocker repeat his day 1 with an overall and class win.
He maintains his championship lead.
Walker just missed the podium, but took the class win, taking the lead in the OR3 class heading for the final round in Bloemfontein.
“It was a tough weekend, especially after injuring my knee, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I had to push through the pain but the support from the team and the adrenaline from the race kept me going, and I’m thrilled to have brought home both wins,” said Cocker.
“I had a real great weekend. The track was challenging, but I just focused on doing my best and giving it my all. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m really proud of how I performed this weekend. Super happy to get two wins in two days and extend my points lead for the final round,” Walker shared.
Team manager Kerim Fitz Gerald expressed his pride in the team’s performance, saying, “Husqvarna Racing had a great weekend! The double-header served them really well. Davin is the double-header master, as he did the same last year at the double-header in Vryburg. Both Davin and Luke faced tough conditions but still put their Husqvarnas on top. The championships are very close, but it was a great end to a tough weekend for the team.”
The Brother Leader Tread KTM team had a great weekend in Upington.
Kerim Fitz-Gerald claimed both class wins in the Senior class. After battling a wrist injury that hindered him from firing on all cylinders earlier this season, Fitz-Gerald was thrilled to finally cross the finish line and do so in spectacular fashion, taking top honours in both rounds and finishing his first full races of the season.
“It feels amazing to be back on the bike and to win both rounds this weekend,” said Fitz-Gerald. “Happy to climb the leader board and put two days of good racing in. These double headers are quite difficult, not just for the riders but for the team and the crew as well, just a big thank you to the whole team and all the support we receive.”
Scotty Heygate, just shy of class wins, pushed hard against rival Davin Cocker. Round 4 saw him secure second overall and in his class after a close battle following a strong time trial start. Round 5 presented additional challenges, but he finished second in his class.
“Both days were pretty good overall, a few small mistakes on my side kept me from the top step which I feel was achievable, but regardless of the setbacks we still put in good points for the championship with one round to go, it’s not over yet”, said Heygate. “A massive thank you to the whole Brother Leader Tread KTM Team and Uncle Kevin Tyrer for all the hours he puts in on the bikes. The competition was fierce, but we’re ready to come back even stronger in Bloem.”
Bradley Cox had a strong weekend despite a challenging season. In Round 4, after starting far back in the time trial, Cox fought his way up the ranks to claim a podium spot. Round 5 wasn’t without its own set of difficulties, requiring a filter change and rear-brake adjustments. Nevertheless, Cox showed his fighting spirit, rounding off the podium again and finishing with a solid 3-3 for the weekend.
“It was great to come to a new venue and destination. The organizers did a fantastic job and put in a lot of effort, which I really appreciated. Finally injury-free after a couple of tough months, and it’s allowed me to focus on my racing back in SA again.” Cox said. “It’s been a tough year, but this weekend was a real confidence booster. The team worked hard to get everything sorted, and I’m happy to have put it on the podium. We’re definitely heading into the final round with momentum on our side.”
Youngster Matthew Wilson also made his mark, finishing second in both rounds of the double header. Engaging in a tight battle with Luke Walker in round 4, Wilson’s performance has set the stage for an intense final round in Bloemfontein, where the championship title is still very much up for grabs.
“It was a tough but great weekend all in all. The battles were intense, but that’s what makes racing exciting,” Wilson remarked. “I’m happy to be on the podium and really looking forward to Bloem – it’s going to be a thrilling finish to the season.”
Kalahari medals all round for Honda Wing Racing…
Warrick van Schalkwyk emerged the Red Rocket Hero when UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Wing Racing with Tork Craft and Dunlop Tyres raided the Kalahari desert for the fourth and fifth round 2024 Trademore South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship double header in Upington over the weekend.
Warrick scored double gold with two Masters class wins as he led another nine-medal Honda charge through a tough and demanding two days of racing.
“Upington was another great weekend for Honda Wing Racing,” team boss Harry Grobler confirmed. “Warrick van Schalkwyk was our hero in the Kalahari with a double win, but he was by no means alone in flying the Team Red flag high deep in the desert.
Louwrens Mahoney had a strong run with second in Seniors on the opening day, but he was hampered by bike problems for most of the second day. Still he fought home fifth for a few more crucial championship points for his campaign.
“Our 125 cc High School gang also had a mixed weekend in Upington. Seth Young was second and Nathan Westerdale third on Friday, when Murray Smith had bike problems. And then on the second day, Murray was second and Nathan fourth, when Seth had bike problems. Our ever-improving Junior lad Ruald Potgieter enjoyed a positive weekend with third on the first day and fourth on Day 2 in the 85cc Senior class.
“Tyron Beverley enjoyed the best weekend among our OR 3 class CRF 250 RX riders with a podium third on Friday and fifth on Saturday. Erik Merry was seventh and sixth, and Blake Young ninth and seventh, respectively over the two days. So with two wins, three seconds and four thirds in a nine-podium weekend, I’d say we had a pretty good weekend! Well done to each and every member of our wonderful team for making it happen!”
“We thank the Upington Club and community for the awesome event they put together. Thank you guys we really appreciate the effort, we look forward to next year as well as the next round in Bloemfontein in September.”
A big thank you to Kyle Enslin and Deanne Ballington and the outgoing national cross country team for all their hard work.
Mahoney to take over SA National Cross Country Motorcycle Championship
Motorsport South Africa (MSA) has announced that well known racer, Louwrens Mahoney, will be taking over the reins of the South African National Cross Country Motorcycle Championship.
Multiple South African national champion and 3 x Roof of Africa winner, Mahoney needs little introduction. Mahoney and his wife Marilyn, will officially take over as Chairman and Vice Chairperson of the MSA Cross Country Motorcycle Working Group, following the double header in Upington. Mahoney will manage the season finale in Bloemfontein on 14 September and then continue as the Championship promoter for the 2025 series.
Commenting on the appointment Mahoney says, “I am honoured to be able to give back to the racing facet that has played such an influential part of my career and life. I believe that cross country racing holds a great power to bring people together, test one’s capabilities and endure challenges that comes your way. We aim at creating a safe, controlled platform for riders, manufacturers and teams to showcase their talents, strengths and determination. With a commitment to safety, fairness and inclusivity, our vision is to create an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.”
The season finale will bring the series to a close in Bloemfontein on 14 September, where champions will be crowned. This final round is expected to be a great conclusion to a series filled with high-speed action.
