National MX Championship a Wrap!

Last weekend saw some fierce racing out at the Chestnut track for the final round of the national MX championship. Some championships were already decided but, it was a fight to the death for the rest of the field.

What a cool days racing it was, not too hot, not too cold – prime!

The track was great until the second heats when massive ruts formed…

Pics by: motozathechatshow (Zygmund Brodalka).

It was another bullish weekend for Red Bull KTM’s, Cameron Durow, at the final round of the National Motocross Championship held at Chestnut Hill.

Undoubtedly, it’s no secret that Durow is the man to watch in the SA Motocross world after wrapping up two championship titles in the previous round.

He commented, “A bit disappointed that it’s over now, but it’s been an amazing year for me and I ended off really strong with both overall wins and winning every overall this year has really been a big achievement for me.” He continued, “I am super excited to start 2024 off with two red plates and excited to see what the year has in store.”

Out Of Africa monster Energy Yamaha’s Aiden Henley took home the 85cc Championship. Hard work pays off!

It was a solid P2 Overall for Jesse Wright in MX1 Championship, and a Championship P3 for Dalton Venter in the MX2 class.

Husqvarna’s Barend Du Toit raced his heart out, leaving everything out on the track, and took a 1-1 win in the high school class. The young dynamo set the track alight in the final round, proving the true extent of his incredible capabilities.

With visible excitement Du Toit commented, “I’m thrilled to end the year off with a double victory in the high school class, setting the stage for an incredible year ahead!”. He continued to say, “I am extremely excited and confident for 2024 and what lies ahead.”

KTM’s Luke Grundy, the reigning High School class champion, concluded his final race in this category, gearing up to transition to the elite MX2 division next year among the seasoned pros. Regarding this shift, he remarked, “It was a good weekend in the books as it was my last race in the 125cc High School class and my first race in the MX2 class. The track got really technical but I had loads of fun racing at such a high-intensity level. Checked off a lot of boxes this past weekend and looking forward to what next year has in store.”

It was non-stop action from Husqvarna’s Davin Cocker and Josh Mlimi in the MX1 class. They went in for a bar-to-bar battle in the final round. The two gave it their absolute all showing that they are forces to be reckoned with in the Motocross world.

With Cocker competing both in the MX1 and MX2 classes he had quite the day behind him. “The last round of the National MX was a blast, I had some great battles and managed to get 4th in both heats for the MX2 class. I’m happy with my riding and can’t wait to get back out on the track next year for some more epic battles.”

Mlimi commented, “Final round done and dusted, got 4-4 for the day was all I had. Didn’t quite ride like myself all day but had a great showdown with Davin. Nonetheless, happy to wrap the season up healthy and safe. A lot has been learnt in my first full season on the FC450. Looking forward to building and getting better for 2024”

In the 50cc class, Parker Cik and Riley Geldenhuys banged bars throughout. They were followed home by Coby Kretzmann. Riley Geldenhuys took the championship.

The 65cc class is well represented with the top 3 really starting to come forward. Trenton Kretzmann won the day. He was followed in by Evan Frost (despite a crash) and Rayden Wools. Trenton Kretzman is your 2023 champ.

85’s, proper exciting racing, the guys really do give it the beans!

On the day, Christian Berrington Smith got the best of Trent Valsecchi and Aiden Henley. Henley won the championship thanks to a super consistent season.

MX high school.

KTM’s Luke Grundy had already won the championship for 2023, but… on the day, Husqvarna’s Du Toit bested Gas Gas rider Kade Van Deventer and Jordan Van Wyk (Who interestingly, races on a Fantic). Grundy came in 4th.

It was a fantastic spectacle from these youngsters.

So much talent.

MX2:

Stav Orland took the fight to Cameron Durow, but the champ managed to hold him off to take the day. This is Stav’s last race in SA as he heads off to the USA next year. Great stuff good luck sir! It’s been great watching you. Jonno Mlimi – solid 3rd for the day.

MX1:

The big guns are always fantastic to watch. KTM’s Cameron Durow was given a proper dice by Yamaha’s Jesse Wright. That man has learned a lot during his trip abroad. The incredibly versatile Davin Cocker from team Husqvarna filled the third step.