Summarize

Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing came home from the South African national Cross Country Motorcycle Championship finale at a dusty and windy Carletonville with a brace of championship seconds for OR1 rider Kenny Gilbert, who ended second in both the overall and his class championships, OR2 rider Taki Bogiages and Masters man Iain Pepper.

Pretoria Chemistry student Bogiages, put in a star performance as he powered his Pepson Plastics Husqvarna to a dominant OR2 class victory to end up on top of that championship table, but it was not enough to prevent rival Gareth Cole to secure the title after each rider’s worst race positions through the season, were dropped. 

Bogiages, who was drafted into the Pepson Plastics Husqvarna team as substitute to his injured racing idol Brett Swanepoel in March, was delighted with his win; “It is an incredible feeling,” Bogiages confirmed. “We scored the most points in the championship, but lost it on a count-back, so well done to Gareth. "I have so many people to thank — not least of all Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing for believing in me and affording me the opportunity to race for this special team; to my family and everyone who has been right behind me throughout this wonderful journey —  thank you one and all!”

Kenny Gilbert arrived in Carletonville just one point behind arch-rival Ross Branch in the overall championship race and three points adrift in OR1 and the two of them once again delivered a battle of the giants up front. “2018 was a great season,” Pretoria rider Kenny explained. “Ross and I enjoyed a splendid battle throughout the year, but he was just too quick today so congratulations to him on the win and the title. “I have a huge word of thanks to my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna team — the bike was awesome as always today!”

Midrand Masters rider Iain Pepper went to the West Rand chasing a championship second in the senior class, but fell just a few points short, only to move up to second after his worst points were dropped. “If you asked me if I’d be on this Masters championship podium second step at the start of the season, I’d not have thought that possible, but here we are!” Iain admitted. “Carletonville was a huge test and I am proud to have with second in the title race — thanks so much to this special team — it's been an incredible year!”

There was disappointment for OR2 rider Travis Ghelig, who missed Carletonville after injuring his hand in a pre-race training accident, but the young rider’s consistent points scoring finishes though the year saw to it that he maintained his championship fourth in his rookie open class season.

“I am hugely proud of our Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing riders’ performance in the South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship,” Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa brand manager Fred Fensham concluded. “Taki did us proud with a great win today, while he, Kenny and Iain starred in the championship and Travis delivered the goods all year long. "Well done one and all of you and to the entire Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Cross Country Racing team — you have all done us proud throughout 2018.”