Summarize

Brett Swanepoel closed off a busy and successful year of national championship racing for the Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Off Road team by clinching the South African Cross Country Moto OR 2 championship with an emphatic class win at the Atlas Copco Gold 400 on the West Rand over the weekend. Swanepoel started the weekend strong on Friday’s Prologue before storming to victory in Saturday’s main race.

“This weekend was the last national Cross Country meeting for 2017 and I ended it off with a win and the 2017 SA National OR2 Championship,” Brett confirmed. “It’s been a great year in Cross Country and my Husqvarna performed faultlessly throughout — thanks to my awesome team and everyone who helps and supports me.”

Travis Gehlig had a tougher weekend aboard the second Pepson Plastics Husqvarna but brought it home fifth in OR2 to claim more valuable points. “I would have preferred a cleaner run to properly support Brett this weekend, but sometimes that’s not always possible,” Travis admitted. “We scored some good points anyway — thanks to the team for a great bike and all the support.”

Pepson Plastics Husqvarna team sponsor Iain Pepper was looking for a top five in the masters class and delivered fourth. “I had a good run and thanks tot he team, but we need to salute Brett Swanepoel for bringing the OR2 title home with another great win this weekend,” Iain explained. “It’s been a tough year in many ways but every cloud has a silver lining and Brett did us proud — well done champ!”

“The Gold 400 was an awesome weekend to end off what has been a tough season with injuries for Husqvarna,” Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa brand manager Fred Fensham wrapped it up. “The time trial saw Kenny Gilbert bring his Husqvarna in on pole with Brett a close second to make it a  stunning starting lineup for Saturday morning.

“Kenny led throughout the day and brought it home for the OR1 win, but the focus, nerves and excitement centered around Brett for the OR2 title and he did not disappoint with a great win on the day and third overall saw him with a full house of points and the title. 

“Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa salutes Pepson Plastics and the Pepper family without whom we were not in the race and of course Metzeler for race winning rubber, Bel-Ray lubricants, FMF, PS, 32Gi, Fox and all the other team members for an awesome season. Next year sees Travis and Iain joining Brett and Kenny in a team with some big announcements still to come - watch this space!”

The Pepson Plastics Husqvarna team now turns its attention to its appointment of the season at the Roof of Africa extreme enduro in the Lesotho Maluti Mountains 11-14 November.