Gallina Motocross Park, Windhoek
Round 1 of the Namibia National Motocross Championship roared to life at Gallina Motocross Park this weekend, and if this opener is anything to go by, the 2026 season is going to demand everything from our riders.
A total of 45 riders lined up across all classes, with noticeable shifts between categories as riders moved up in engine size and competition level. The first round always brings nerves, but this one carried extra weight. It was the first real test of who has adapted to their new class and who still needs to find their rhythm.
You could see it on the track. Some riders looked immediately at home on bigger bikes, while others are still recalibrating their pace, power, and race craft. That adjustment period is where championships are either built or lost.
One of the most interesting developments was in the King of the Dirt standings. The top five looked very different from what we are used to seeing, as new names pushed forward and established riders were challenged. That shake-up alone tells you this season will not follow a predictable script.
With ten entries, our biggest class right now is the 65cc juniors, and it is packed with intensity. In that class, one small mistake can cost a rider multiple positions. The level of competition between these youngsters is sharp, disciplined, and fast, which is a strong sign for the future of Namibian motocross.
The MX1 class has also grown, which raises the standard across the board. There is no room to cruise; if you want to keep your position, you have to earn it every lap. That is exactly what national racing should look like.
Beyond the racing, there was a noticeable increase in spectators. Many new faces came to watch, and there is a growing awareness of the sport. With the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN) championship taking place in Windhoek in August, the energy around motocross in Namibia is building fast. Riders know what is at stake, and spectators know something bigger is coming.
A great deal of work went into Gallina Motocross Park over December and January to prepare for this season and for hosting the MXOAN later this year. Track upgrades have already begun, with further changes planned over the coming months. The goal is clear: to prepare our local riders properly and present an international-standard facility when we welcome seven to ten African countries to Namibia.
The track changes have been introduced early in the season for a reason: our riders need time on the updated layout. The first three rounds of the championship will determine which riders are invited to represent Namibia at the MXOAN. That means every lap now matters.
This opening round was not just another race. It marked the start of one of the most important seasons Namibian motocross has seen in years.
The championship now heads to Gobabis on 21 March, where riders will continue to battle for points, positions, and ultimately, a place on the biggest African stage of the year.
If Round 1 showed us anything, it is this: the standard is rising, the pressure is real, and the season is wide open.