Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Racing raring to go…
“Come and meet the 2023 team at Legends” read the info. So we hauled our asses out of bed bright and breezy one Saturday to go and have a looksee…
The team has assembled a great team of riders and machinery across the classes to chase fun and victory in 2023. And the guys are all smiling and happy, champing at the bit to hit the trails.
The biggest 2023 Kawasaki Cross Country team to date sees 2022 South African National High School champion, Wian Wentzel stepping up to the 250cc OR3 class. The consistent youngster switches to Kawasaki for the 2023 season aboard a Pepson Plastics Factory KX 250 X in a move that will keep the class regulars on their toes….
He joins fellow SA champion, Seniors’ man Kenny Gilbert, who continues for a second season aboard a Pepson Plastics Factory KX 450 X alongside circuit car race star Lee Thompson on a KX 250 X. The senior team is rounded off by another man better known for his car racing exploits, team boss Iain Pepper who will be racing in the Masters’ class.
Jaycee Nienaber, who made steady progress through the 2023 season will continue in the premier class, OR1 aboard a Pepson Plastics Factory Kawasaki KX 450 X. His team mate Wade Den is also back in action.
They will be joined by Kawasaki OR3 graduate Taki Bogiages, who ended fourth in the championship in ‘22 and is looking forward to stepping up to the big class.
Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing has really focused on the Junior classes, where Jake Pretorius joins Nathan Sinclair in 85cc Juniors.
The Human brothers Clayton and Dylan race 85cc Juniors, and the team will also support Jayden Boyce in the GXCC races.
“Pepson Plastics Factory Kawasaki Racing is looking forward to another strong season of Cross Country racing with a powerful line-up of riders and bikes,” team principal Iain Pepper concluded. “Although we aim to win and we will not pull any punches, winning is not everything for us. “We also thrive on our strong family orientation and having fun.
“It is also important that we blood the sport through our junior rider program and to help kids progress from privateer to factory riders. “We are looking forward to continuing that ethos into our third season as Pepson Plastics Factory Kawasaki Racing.
“So, here’s to another very good year – let’s do this, go get it guys!”
*Pepson Plastics Factory Kawasaki races with Motul lubricants, Gilbert Mining, Scottish Cables, Reinhardt Transport, Michelin tyres, Acerbis plastics, Renthal handlebars, DID chains and Arai helmets.
