The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived.
This August, the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations 2026 brings together about 180 of Africa’s finest motocross riders for one unforgettable weekend of world-class racing, national pride, and adrenaline-fuelled action.
From breathtaking jumps and bar-to-bar battles to an atmosphere unlike anything else, this is Africa’s premier motocross championship, and it’s happening right here in Namibia.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, partners, volunteers, officials, riders, and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes. Your passion, commitment, and belief in this event have made MXoAN 2026 possible.
Africa is coming.
Namibia is ready.
See you at Gallina.
Gallina Motocross Park, Windhoek 29–30 August 2026
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.
What Dakar 2025 Bikes Long Preview Where Saudi Arabia When 3-17 January 2025 Community International
Dakar starts 3 January. Expect Southern Africans to star!
Dakar 2025 starts in Saudi Arabia on 3 January. Big news is that Botswana’s 2024 World Rally Raid Moto Champion, second on Dakar 2024 and former triple South African Champion Ross Branch will carry number 1 on his Tork Craft-backed Hero MotoSports 450 Rally. More local news is of another multiple South African champion and 2024 World Rally 2 Champion, Bradley Cox stepping up to the big time aboard a privately-run Rally GP class BAS World KTM 450.
A third fast South African, Aaron Mare will also race in the big class on his HT Husqvarna, and three of his compatriots will compete in the privateer Rally2 category. Michael Docherty returns on a BAS World KTM, while rookie duo, Willem Avenant has an HT Husqvarna at his disposal and Dwain Barnard rides a Nomade Racing KTM.
Getting back to the big time, 2024 bike winner, Honda returns with a five-machine army for ‘24 winner, American Ricky Brabec, compatriot Skyler Howes, Chilean Pablo Quintanilla, the ever-present Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren, and quick Spaniard Tosha Schareina. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is back at Dakar as ever and in spite of the Austrian manufacturer’s fiscal woes. The bikes will be ridden by GasGas refugee Australia Daniel Sanders and Argentine brothers, former Husqvarna man Luciano and regular rider in orange, Kevin Benavides.
Ross Branch is backed by Chilean José Ignacio Cornejo and German rider Sebastian Bühler in the Hero camp, while Spain’s Lorenzo Santolino and Portuguese rider Rui Goncalves will fly the Sherco flag. There are three single-bike entries for minnow bike makers, a Kove 450 for US flyer Mason Klein, a Rieju 450 with Bolivian Daniel Nosiglia Jager riding, and UAE rider Mohammed Balooshi in the saddle for Fantic.
South African privateers Cox and Mare will have Czech Martin Michek and Slovak Štefan Svitko on a pair of KTMs, and Portuguese rider Antonio Maio’s Yamaha to contend with as Rally GP privateers. Rally2 is hugely competitive as it covers the majority of the field. Indian 2024 Rally 2 winner Harith Noah is back on his Sherco, Frenchmen Romain Dumontier’s Honda and Mathieu Doveze’s KTM, and Czech Jan Brabec on another KTM will be the South African trio’s rivals on the 136 machine entry list.
Covering almost 8,000 kilometres including over 5000 km of desert racing over two weeks, Dakar 2024 starts with the Prologue at Bisha in Saudi Arabia on Friday 3 January. Race proper follows from the 4th with fourteen days of racing covering twelve stages including a 48-hour 950 km ‘chrono’ marathon test. Dakar 2025 novelties include five stages with separate routes for cars and bikes, while one stage will feature a mass start. Organizers promise a tougher route with much navigation.
Watch for Daily Dakar Updates focussing on Southern African competitors on the cars and bikes from Motorsport Media in Conjunction with Tork Craft will also be giving away two fully equipped Tork Craft TrackBox toolboxes signed by Ross Branch through the Daker fortnight. Don’t forget to visit the page to enter!
