Summarize

Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing came back from Botswana weighed down by the silverware after its riders delivered a sterling performance across the board. The weekend started out on a positive footing for the team when Kenny Gilbert and Taki Bogiages ended up second and third overall in Friday’s qualifying time trial, with Gilbert second in OR1 and Bogiages and Travis Ghelig first and second in OR2 and Iain Pepper fourth among the Masters men. 

With two days of racing from there, each counting as a full points-paying championship round, Saturday’s loop saw the team scoring as Gilbert came home second overall and second in OR1 with Bogiages taking the OR2 win en route to fourth overall, while Ghelig brought it home fifth in OR2 as Pepper took fourth in Masters. Gilbert then rode to second overall and in OR1 again in Sunday’s race with Bogiages seventh overall and third in OR2 and Ghelig once again fifth.

Taki Boigages was delighted with his weekend. “Pole position, a race win on Saturday and third on Sunday to extend my championship, is a pretty good result,” the Pretoria rider pointed out. “The team gave me a perfect bike and my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna ran like a dream, so thanks everyone for all the effort — isn’t it great when a plan comes together? “I have a busy couple of weeks ahead with the Tugela Ferry Hard Enduro this coming weekend and then the Swaziland Cross Country in July where we plan to keep this great form going - let’s do this!”

“I am pretty happy with my Desert Race outcome,” Pepson Plastics Husqvarna’s OR1 charger Kenny Gilbert, also from Pretoria admitted. “We came here knowing it would be damage limitation with my championship rival Ross Branch racing in the back yard, so to have ended second twice in a row was a good result. “The team did a brilliant job as usual and my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna 450 never missed a beat, but now we head back to the sort of territory that may suit me a little better in Swaziland next month, so bring it on!” 

Travis Ghelig was satisfied with his result too. “We came here looking to continue learning and I was able to score decent points in both races to keep in the chase for second in the OR2 title race,” Boksburg lad Travis explained. “The Desert Race had its challenges, so I’m pretty chuffed to have finished both days — thanks to my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna team for a great bike and fantastic support as always — now for Swaziland!”

Iain Pepper delivered another steady result in the Masters race. “I have the best team behind me and it was an absolute pleasure to race my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna and bring home some points for the lads in the Desert Race,” Midrand rider Iain confirmed. "I had a good run and really enjoyed the challenge.” The Pepson Plastics team left Botswana with Taki Bogiages leading the South African Cross Country Moto OR2 championship, Kenny Gilbert a strong second in OR1, Travis Ghelig tied in third in OR2 and Iain Pepper consolidating his third in the Masters title chase.

 “Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Racing enjoyed a great weekend in Botswana,” Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa brand manager Fred Fensham concluded. “Congratulations to Taki Bogiages on a fine race win on Saturday to consolidate his OR2 championship lead, while Kenny Gilbert kept in the OR2 title hunt with another great performance, to Travis Ghelig and Iain Pepper for their positive results and to the whole team for another top showing to all come home in very strong championship positions.”