Husqvarna Racing’s Neil van der Vyver could not have asked for a better end to what has been a tumultuous 2020 season. The young gun stormed to victory in an exciting National Motocross season finale in Bloemfontein this weekend to defend his title as the reigning 65cc champion.
This will be the fourth national championship of what is quickly becoming an illustrious career for Van der Vyver. Having represented Husqvarna South Africa since 2016, the rider is a precocious talent stacked with potential. He is not only an exciting prospect for team, but the future of South African motorsport as a whole.
“I won all four heats this weekend – I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish the season. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and never stopped believing in me this year,” said Van Der Vyver.
Husqvarna South Africa’s Brand Manager Fred Fensham waxed lyrical, “We couldn’t be prouder of our young Neil. To be a four-time national champion at 12 years old is an incredible achievement – we look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.”
It was a challenging season for teammate Maddy Malan, who has been fighting his way back up the MX1 leaderboard since a crash set him back in the first round. While he was unable to make up enough points to defend his 2019 title, the rider ended off the season on a high note by snatching victory in the final heat.
“It’s been a rollercoaster season for Maddy after that big crash at the start of the year. He never stopped fighting to get back on the top step and proved that he certainly has what it takes to reclaim that red plate after the way he performed in the final heat,” said Fensham.
Rounding out the squad this weekend was Husqvarna’s newest recruit Dalton Venter. Having only stepped up into the MX2 Class at the start of the season, the young rider has seen tremendous improvement in his performances. With a determination to shake off his rookie status in the MX2 Class, Venter will certainly enter the 2021 season swinging.
Published by: Fred Fensham – Husqvarna Motorcycles SA