The season finale for both the 2025 MSA South African National Cross Country Championship and the 2025 GXCC Racing Series took place this past weekend at the iconic Carousel in the North West. Known for its motorsport heritage and classic bushveld terrain, the venue was turned into an offroad haven this past weekend and offered the perfect setting for an unforgettable end to the cross country season.
Competitors battled it out for class titles on a track that struck a perfect balance between precision and speed. Riders were challenged with tight, twisty sections followed by flowing sweepers and fast-paced terrain, which kept competitors on their toes from start to finish.
For many club and regional competitors, the event offered a rare opportunity to share the track with their national heroes. Lining up on the same start line as the country’s top riders added an extra layer of excitement to club and regional riders. It turned the race into more than just a competition – it became and opportunity to learn and grow.
The riders who took the win in the national classes for the day:
Open: Scott Heygate
OR3: Matthew Wilson
Seniors: Kerim Fitz-Gerald
Masters: Mielies le Roux
High School: Murray Smith
Snr 85cc: Ruald Potgieter
Jnr 85cc: Wilco du Plooy
65cc: Ryan Wichmann
In the senior club classes, the following riders took the top step at the event:
OR1 Pro: Scott Heygate
OR2 Pro: Matthew Wilson
OR3 Pro: Cobus Bester
OR4: Jake Pretorius
High School: Murray Smith
Seniors: Beau Levey
Masters: Warrick van Schalkwyk
Veterans: Ian Venter
Ladies: Bianca Edwards
OR1 Pro-Am: Xander Myburgh
OR2 Pro-Am: Ruben Strydom
OR3 Pro-Am: Janco van Niekerk
Seniors Pro-Am: Peter Pelser
OR1 Rookie: Chae Rouilion
OR2 Rookie: Louw Pretorius
OR3 Rookie: Jayden Webb
Senior Social: Shaun Mitchell
The following junior riders won their classes at the event:
Snr 85cc: Ruald Potgieter
Jnr 85cc Pro: Juan Agostini
Jnr 85cc Rookie: Troy Couper
65cc Pro: Ulrich Sterley
65cc Rookie: Liam Sterley
50cc: Jack Pelser
Junior Social: Joshua Fotheringham
In the quad classes, the following riders were victorious:
Q1: David Hollis
Q2: Tinus Coetzer
QMasters: Roxy Dos Santos
QVeterans: Dawie de Wet
QLadies: Danielle Esterhuizen
Quad Social: Franco Pretorius
Off the track, Carousel had plenty to keep spectators and visitors entertained. Drivers could take on a challenging 4×4 route, while speed junkies could unleash their bakkies on the gravel drag strip. Visitors also got to enjoy laps with go-karts and quads. For the ultimate perspective, helicopter flips offered a breath-taking view of the race and the surrounding area.
With the 2025 season officially wrapped up we can reflect on a year that was defined by hard-fought battles and well-earned championships across every class. As the dust settles, eyes are already shifting to another year of thrilling cross country racing in 2026.
