National Motocross Championship – Season Finale
The National Motocross Championship came to an unforgettable close for Red Bull KTM in Pretoria this weekend. The team snatched up three national titles as Tristan Purdon took top honours in both the MX1 and MX2 Championship respectively, and young gun Jonathan Mlimi stormed to victory in the High School Championship. Adding to the celebrations at the orange camp was some silverware from Cameron Durow and Trey Cox, who finished second in their respective classes.
As a fairly new track on the racing circuit, Legends MX leveled out the playing field and ensured that there were no favourites on Saturday. With a comfortable lead and one hand on the MX1 Championship, Purdon put on one of his best performances of the season to secure the prestigious title for the second consecutive year.
With a flag-to-flag win, the rider was elated with his performance. He commented: “What a special moment. Thank you to everyone that has helped get me here and especially to my awesome team for everything that they provide for me. Now let’s get 2022 on the road!”
With a slightly less comfortable lead in the MX2 Class, Purdon lined up to fight tooth and nail with teammate Cameron Durow. As one of 2021’s newest recruits, the talent-stacked Durow held nothing back as he raced to not only set the fastest qualifying time, but take the victory in both motos.
All Purdon had to do to snatch the championship, however, was to closely follow his teammate to the finish line. With a performance that showcased the promising future of both riders, the Red Bull KTM team couldn’t be more excited for what next year has in store.
“It was one of my best races of the season – I gave that last round everything I possibly could. Only four points kept me from winning the championship. I’m also really proud of my progress in MX1– I managed to finish second in both heats. I am more motivated than ever and can’t wait to see what next season has in store – a huge thank you to my team and everyone that’s in my corner,” said Durow.
In yet another stellar performance, Jonathan Mlimi took a clean sweep to win the High School Championship. All the rider had to do was put the finishing touches on the 46-point lead that he’d established by the final round. With yet another double win, Mlimi takes the prestigious title for the second year in a row.
“To be honest, I didn’t start the year off too well. I managed to get it together throughout the season and achieve what I’d set out to do. This is a back-to-back championship, which makes it even more special! Thank you to my sponsors and everyone that’s been behind me,” said Mlimi.
Like Durow, Red Bull KTM’s Trey Cox only narrowly missed a national title. With a slender lead, he entered a three-way battle for the Pro Mini Championship this weekend. After a demanding day in the saddle, the rider missed the top step by a mere three-point deficit.
“It’s a tough pill to swallow to know I missed the championship by only three points, especially after I had the red plate for five rounds. That’s racing, though, and I can only come back stronger! I’m still stoked with how my rookie Pro Mini year went. Thank you to my team for the opportunity and believing in me,” said Cox.
Published by: Louwrens Mahoney – KTM Motorcycles SA
Photography by: Sage Lee Voges