National Cross Country Championship – Round 6 – Bloem

The Brother Leader Tread KTM team showed incredible tenacity and drive at the final round of the National Cross Country Series Championship in Bloemfontein this past weekend. Each rider left everything on the track, displaying exceptional skill and heart, making for an action-packed and memorable race weekend.

Scott Heygate had an impressive season in the Open Class, narrowly missing out on the Open Class championship title but still securing second place for the season. Heygate’s year was marked by standout achievements, including his first race win and first overall victory earlier in the season, as well as a second overall.

Overcoming a knee injury that nearly ended his season prematurely, he powered through and fought for his accumulated points.

“Overall, it was a really good day for me. P2 in class and overall is great! Considering that I almost threw in the towel, putting up a good fight in the end and finishing second overall-plus staying healthy for the season makes me super happy. My main focus now is my knee surgery on Thursday, and from there, recovery. I’ll get back on the program for 2025. I can’t thank the Brother Leader Tread KTM team enough, and I’m grateful to everyone for a successful racing season,” said Heygate.

Matthew Wilson also had a strong season in the OR3 class. Despite the tough conditions, including a dusty and competitive race, Wilson managed to finish second in his class and secure fifth overall for the round.

“It was a tough race, especially with all the dust, but I’m proud of the way I pushed through. Coming second in OR3 and fifth overall is something l’m really happy about. The team has been amazing, and I’m already thinking about how to come back stronger next season,” commented Wilson.

Kerim Fitz-Gerald, racing in the Seniors class, ended the season on a high note, taking victory in the final round. After a challenging start to the season due to injury, Fitz-Gerald’s dedication saw him claim the top step in the finale.

“It was a great finale, and I had fun. It was a tough 2024, but I’m thankful I get to race a bike and do what I love. Congrats to all the 2024 champions and every rider who lined up and gave it their best,” said Fitz-Gerald.

Bradley Cox, competing in the Open Class alongside Heygate, had a challenging day on the track due to the dusty conditions but still managed to score valuable points for the team. Cox’s year has been a rollercoaster, yet his perseverance was unwavering. Despite missing the podium for the day, he finished fourth overall.

“It was definitely one of the tougher races, with all the dust making things really tricky, but I gave it my all. I was hoping for a podium, but sometimes it just doesn’t go your way. I’m proud of how I fought throughout the year, and excited for what lies ahead,” said Cox.

Team manager Kerim Fitz-Gerald was full of praise for the entire team: “‘ I am incredibly proud of how every rider gave their best, no matter the challenges. Scott, Matthew, Bradley, and the whole team showed their fighting spirit all season. It’s never easy, but we walk away with our heads high, knowing we gave it everything. We’re looking forward to coming back even stronger in 2025.”

Published by: Megan Prinsloo

Photography by: Sage Lee Voges – ZCMC Media

National Cross Country Championship – Round 6 – Bloem

The Husqvarna Racing team had an unforgettable final round of the National Cross Country Championship this past weekend in Bloemfontein. The team’s star riders, Davin Cocker and Luke Walker, soared to new heights by clinching championship titles in their respective classes.

Davin Cocker stormed to victory after a fiercely competitive season in the Open class, not only winning his class but also claiming the overall championship title for 2024. Determined to prove himself and redeem last year’s narrow miss for the red plate, Cocker’s drive and persistence paid off as he achieved his dream of becoming the overall champion.

“I’ve worked so hard for this moment, and to finally hold the red plate is a dream come true. It’s been a tough season, but my team and I never gave up. This one is for them,” said an elated Cocker.

Luke Walker, entering the OR3 class after his high school racing career, was equally on a mission. In his debut season in the OR3 class and the team, Walker fought hard to secure the red plate, delivering stellar performances throughout the season. His efforts earned him thirdplace in the overall standings as well, a remarkable achievement in his first year in the class.

“Making the jump from high school racing to OR3 was a big step, but I knew I had what it took. Winning the championship is the best way to say thank you to my team and everyone who’s supported me,” said Walker.

Team manager Kerim Fitz-Gerald expressed his pride in both riders and the entire Husqvarna Racing team: “This season has been nothing short of incredible. Davin and Luke have shown their true potential, and their hard work has really paid off. As a team, we couldn’t be prouder. The team has put in countless hours of preparation, and it’s fantastic to see it all come together. These championships are well-deserved, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

The Husqvarna Racing team’s remarkable double championship victory marks the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. With Cocker and Walker’s wins, the team has cemented itself as a dominant force in the National Cross Country Series.

Published by: Megan Prinsloo

Photography by: Sage Lee Voges – ZCMC Media

What SA National Cross Country Motorcycle Report
Where Bloemfontein, Free State
When Saturday 14 September 2024
Community South Africa National

Mahoney, van Schalkwyk are Honda champions

UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Wing Racing with Tork Craft and Dunlop Tyres riders, Seniors class hero Louwrens Mahoney and Masters legend Warrick van Schalkwyk, are 2024 South African Cross Country Motorcycle Champions. The Red Rocket winners were crowned in the Bloemfontein finale on Saturday.

“UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Wing Racing with Tork Craft and Dunlop Tyres are double champions in 2024!” team boss Harry Grobler announced. “Our Honda CRF 450 RX heroes, Warrick Van Schalkwyk raced to another brilliant class win in Bloemfontein to wrap up the Masters title despite a slow start when he was injured. And Louwrens Mahoney did what he had to, to clinch another Seniors championship.

“This is a huge tribute to our incredible team for a huge effort in what has been a really tough and in some ways most forgettable season. “I am immensely proud of not only our champions Louwrens and Warrick, but also our entire team of riders, technicians, crew, let alone our sponsors, suppliers, family and friends, and everyone else who came together to make this happen.”

Warrick van Schalkwyk started gently as he nursed a 2023 injury in the early races, but the Master was unstoppable once he started winning in round 3, from where he went on to win four races on the trot. “Wow, I am lost for words, which is not quite usual for me!” Warrick admitted. “I need to thank Harry Grobler and our entire Red Rocket family for an incredible season, and a double championship to wrap it up. Well done to Lourens too, we worked hard for this and now it’s time to celebrate!”

Louwrens Mahoney on the other hand started strong and then consolidated his advantage through the latter half to clinch yet another Cross Country racing championship. “What a year, it had its ups and downs, but here we are as double UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Wing Racing with Tork Craft and Dunlop champions,” Mahoney admitted. “Huge thanks to my brilliant Honda family for all the effort, this red plate is for every one of you!”

Besides its champions, several other UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Wing Racing with Tork Craft and Dunlop teammates had good outings in Bloemfontein. Seth Young won the High School 125 cc class, where Nathan Westerdale ended fourth. Erik Merry came home ninth overall and sixth in class on his top class OR1 debut, where Hayden Louw finished seventh on his return to the saddle on his CRF 450 RX. Kobus Jonk was fourth in Masters, Blake Young and Tyron Beverley ended fifth and sixth in OR3 on their CRF 250 RXs, and Ruald Potgieter was fifth in 85cc Senior.

“On behalf of the entire UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Wing Racing with Tork Craft and Dunlop team, I dedicate our double championship to our friend and hero Mike Pentecost who so tragically lost his life doing what he loved best in June. This one’s for you champ, you will forever be our hero.”

*Honda Wing Racing salutes its partners, UB Leisure, The Franchise Co, Sleepover Motels, Tork Craft Tools, Henderson Racing Products & Dunlop Tyres, Motul Oils, Justiracing USA, Bikewise, TBR Suspension & 515 Racing.

Issued on behalf of Honda Cross Country

Red Bull athlete Wade Young is ready to take on the ultimate challenge at the Inner City Enduro (ICE) 2024. Known for captivating Extreme Enduro enthusiasts worldwide, ICE returns to its home turf of Baakens Valley, Gqeberha, promising an electrifying showdown of man versus machine.

Event Details:
• Event: Inner City Enduro (ICE) 2024
• Date: 14th – 15th September 2024
• Location: Baakens Valley, Gqeberha
• Prize Money: R80,000
• Highlights: New course features and spectator viewing points

This year’s ICE is set to be an epic battle, featuring the very best Extreme Enduro riders. Red Cherry Events has curated a challenging new course with thrilling features, ensuring a dynamic and exhilarating experience for riders and spectators alike.

Join us as top riders, including Red Bull’s own Wade Young, compete for the top prize and showcase their extraordinary skills. With the addition of innovative viewing points, fans are guaranteed an up-close and thrilling experience.

Published by: Samuel Mokuoane

Cayden Robert, a rising star in the world of South African motorcycle racing, is set to compete in the highly anticipated Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event, taking place this year at the Mike G Circuit in Spain. The event, scheduled to begin on 29 September 2024 is a crucial step in the journey toward the MotoGP World Championship, supported by Dorna, the organisation behind the MotoGP and World Superbike Championships.

“Being invited to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Selection Event for the second time is an incredible honour. Last year’s experience was transformative and fuelled my passion even further. Having followed the careers of Brad and Darryn Binder, and now being part of this programme, is a dream come true. I’ve worked hard to improve my skills and am excited to showcase my progress”, says Robert.

The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup is renowned for being a gateway to the premier league of motorcycle racing. Each year, approximately 100 talented young riders from around the world are invited to demonstrate their skills in the selection process.

During the four-day duration of the event, each rider has two 15-minute sessions on track to impress the selectors, with only about 50 riders advancing to the finals on day three. At the end of this rigorous process, between 8 and 10 exceptional riders will secure their place in the 2025 Rookies Cup Championship. Selected competitors benefit from a fully sponsored ride, including all necessary equipment for the season, and compete on KTM Moto3 bikes. Notably, seven of the last nine Moto3 World Champions have emerged from the Red Bull Rookies program, including our very own Darryn Binder.

In preparation for the event, Robert will travel from South Africa to Spain on September 24, accompanied by his father and coach, Craig Robert.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and am committed to giving my best performance. Regardless of the outcome, I know it will be an unforgettable experience,” concludes Robert.

Published by: Nhlalo Dlangalala