Summarize

Factory riders Maddy Malan Richard van der Westhuizen delivered a scintillating MX2 performance to cement Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa’s overall lead in the Monster TRP South African National Motocross Manufacturer’s Championship at Bloemfontein’s third round races on Saturday. Malan continued his domination of the MX2 class with two more wins, with van der Westhuizen a strong third and second behind him in the heats.

“I had another great weekend in Bloem,” Maddy, who remains unbeaten in the six national MX2 races so far this season confirmed. “My Husqvarna performed perfectly all weekend — I was able to pace it nicely up front to take the double and I really enjoyed the ride, even though my teammate kept me under pressure in the second moto. 

“We’ve built up a strong championship challenge so far, but we are only halfway into the championship so there’s no resting on our laurels and now its full focus on Dirt Bronco in a month’s time.” Malan leads the MX2 title chase on a full house of 150 points, 24 clear of David Goosen, with van der Westhuizen third on 117 points.

Teammate Richie van der Westhuizen had a bittersweet weekend in the Free State. “MX2 was really good for me,” Richie reported. “I was third into turn 1 and tried everything to get second in moto 1, but just couldn’t seal the deal. “I had a great start in race 2 and was right behind Maddy all the way to a strong second — it was good to keep him honest — I was really happy with that because he’s been riding really well this year.

“My MX1 went the wrong way from the start —I picked up a puncture on the third lap of the first moto, so all I could do was circulate — the wheel started collapsing at the end of the heat so I'm glad I managed to at least salvage a few points. “Then I was cut off at the start Moto 2 and managed a 5th so it was not the greatest weekend, but we're looking forward to Dirt Bronco. “Big thanks to my sponsors and the people behind me.” Richie runs fourth in a tight MX1 title chase, 22 points adrift of leader Tristan Purdon.

“We had a bit of an up and down weekend,” Husqvarna Motorcycles SA Brand Manager Fred Fensham concluded. “Matthew Malan had another great weekend and Richard van der Westhuizen was right there behind him, but he was out of luck in MX1. “We have also maintained our Manufacturer’s Championship lead, which is great - well done to the whole team and thanks again to all our partners and supporters.”

Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa’s race team now heads to the Dundee KZN National Cross Country Moto round 12-13 May before the Robertson SA Enduro round in the Western Cape a week later. The Motocross team returns to action at Gauteng’s Dirt Bronco Saturday 3 June.