Summarize

Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa’s Motocross Team enjoyed a mixed weekend at Dirt Broncos’ fourth round South African Championship round in Krugersdorp over the weekend as Richie van der Westhuizen delivered a stunning come from behind ride to score a maiden MX1 win, while also taking a positive fourth in MX2. 

Husqvarna’s second rider, Maddy Malan however had a day to forget with a difficult first race before crashing out of the second moto. A Husqvarna however still won the day thanks to privateer Anthony Raynard’s efforts in taking overall MX2 honours. 

“Dirt Broncos was an awesome weekend for me,” Richie van der Westhuizen confirmed. “I felt great all day on both my Husqvarnas — MX1 was special, even though I made a big mistake in turn 2 and came off the bike in the first moto. “I remounted in just about last and worked my way back up to finish fourth. 

“Moto 2 was amazing — I was fourth off the line and I put my head down and rode really hard for the whole moto, making some great passes to race my way into the lead. “I managed to pull away to cross the first and also clinch the overall win for the day.” My first national win in 4 years — what an amazing feeling — I’m super stoked to put my team and everyone on that top step!”

“MX2 day was a little more challenging for me — I had to come from behind in both motos, but I had good pace and managed to bring it home third in both heats to end up fourth overall.”

Maddy Malan’s weekend was however more challenging. Malan arrived in Krugersdorp with 6 wins off six starts in MX2 so far this season and the pressure was on the young guns shoulders to keep the momentum going. Sadly that was not to be with a slow start in the first moto followed by a first corner crash and then a second mistake saw Maddy finish down in 7th.

Maddy made a better start in the second moto and took the lead at the end of the second lap, only to succumb to more mistakes before a very big off, resulting in a visit to the hospital with a suspected broken collar bone. “It was not a good day,” Maddy rued. “I lost valuable points and the championship lead, so with three rounds to trace, the pressure is on for me to recover and get back to my best.”

“Saturday was a bittersweet day,” Husqvarna South Africa Brand Manager Fred Fensham admitted. “We are all delighted for Richie and his first win in MX1, but Maddie had one to forget and now the focus is on getting him back out front on track. "We are also delighted with Husqvarna's results over the past weekend, especially considering the factory is currently releasing our 2018 motocross range,” Fensham concluded. "Watch this space to learn when we will be unpacking our first bikes."

The 5th round will be held in two months in Pietermaritzburg. “That’s a nice little break but it will be business as usual from now until then,” Richie van der Westhuizen concluded.