Summarize

Husqvarna South Africa motocross star Richie van der Westhiuzen made Pietermaritzburg his own over the weekend when he won three out of the four motos he started at a muddy and slippery Thunder Valley MX Nationals. Van der Westhuizen took both MX1 wins and the second heat of MX2 too, while Caleb Tennant took second in the first heat of MX2 riding as substitute to the injured Maddy Malan.

“I had a great day at a gnarly Pietermaritzburg national,” a delighted van der Westhuizen admitted. “Besides a sub-par ride in MX2 heat one, it was an amazing day — I managed three wins out of four starts and we won the 450 day overall. “I felt strong the whole day, my Husqvarnas performed brilliantly throughout the weekend and I absolutely loved the track — a big thank you is due to my team and to my sponsors!”

Caleb Tennant meanwhile enjoyed a positive day with a second in the first MX2 race aboard the factory Husqvarna before ending 8th in race 2 to claim fifth overall. “Race 1 was good, but we could have managed better in heat 2,” Caleb explained “I really enjoyed working with the team and the extra-back-up and look forward to ramping up to an even better result next time around. “Thank you Husqvarna!”

Husqvarna Motorcycles brand manager Fred Fensham was delighted with his teams progress on the day. “What an Awesome day for Husqvarna Racing at Thunder Valley,” he pointed out. “Richie almost achieved the dream result with the double win in MX1 and a fall and win in MX2 — the 717 was brilliant!

“Caleb felt the pressure of a factory set-up as he filled in for Maddy on the 444, but he will be back and strong in round 6. “Congratulations also to Neil van der Vyfer for going 10 out of 10 on his Husky TC 50! "I am thrilled with the performance of the bikes and proving once again that Husqvarna is a serious threat.

“Thanks also to Morne and the team in my absence for the seriously high standard, Fensham concluded from Sibiu in Romania, where he is with Brett Swanepoel as he prepares for a full factory attack on Red Bull Romaniacs this weekend. The Husqvarna SA Motocross Team will be back in action for the season finale in Harrismith 2 September.