Summarize

Q4 Fuels Husqvarna Racing came away from the final round of the 2019 TRP South African Motocross Championship hailing a new hero as 11-year old Neil van der Vyver put the finishing touches to his second national title with this year’s 65cc crown at Terra Topia outside Johannesburg on Saturday.

It was almost a double victory for the team before the motocross gods quite literally scowled on an MX1 final that now goes down to an MSA court decision around who was leading the final moto after thunder and lightning saw red flags stop the race early.  

There are however no doubts on Neil van der Vyver’s third national title of his young career off a couple of dominant race wins to bring his total moto win count to ten through the season. “This is a dream come true” Neil explained. “My 65cc title is a tribute to hard work and dedication — and to never giving up! 

“I have so many people to thank — from uncle Fred and the whole Q4 Husqvarna family for the incredible machinery and all the love and support, to my friends and rivals — some of whom pushed me too hard once or twice through the season — and to the officials and everyone else who make it possible to live this dream — you all had a part in this title and we salute you one and all!"

Terra Topia proved an incredibly dramatic afternoon in open class MX1 after Q4 Fuels Husqvarna hero Maddy Malan stormed to the first moto win to draw even in the championship lead with rival Tristan Purdon with only the final moto left to race. As if it were scripted, the final moto start gate dropped to the roll of thunder and flashes of lightning as Malan led the way, only for Maddy to take a tumble at mid-distance to see Purdon leading at about the same time that race officials stopped the race, concerned about the dangers of lightning and the brewing electric storm.

Malan was deemed the winner, but a protest as to whom was leading — and thus who won the race to be crowned MX1 champion — was tabled and the matter will now be decided in an MSA courtroom.

“First and foremost, congratulations to our little champion Neil van der Vyver,” Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa brand manager Fred Fensham concluded. “You did us proud this year young man — you are a triple champion at just eleven years old, so here’s to many, many more! “Unfortunately the MX1 title remains unresolved and we must now wait for an MSA decision, but Maddy rode an incredible race to win the first moto and put up a brilliant show in the second — well done on an incredible effort.”