Summarize

Will Kawasaki find its first win this weekend?

Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Motul Racing heads to the Matatiele in the remote Eastern Province to finally rejoin its maiden South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship challenge following a lengthy lockdown break on Saturday 21 August. The team will be eyeing a possible first class victory since Kawasaki returned to Cross Country racing for the first time in two decades, but the objective is to continue with its great form so far this season.

“We have exceeded our wildest expectations since Pepson Plastics Motul Racing brought Kawasaki back to the South African National Cross Country Motorcycle Championship this season,” team boss Iain Pepper reflected. “So much so that we are daring to anticipate a maiden win sometime soon! “We came close on our last Gauteng GXCC race, but we were a little unlucky. The lads have been flat out training and preparing and we are ready for more top results in Matat!

“I was blown away by the performance of my Pepson Plastics Motul Kawasaki KX450X at the last regional,” open class OR1 man D'Artagnan Lobjoit explained. Dart sits second in the SA national OR1 championship chase and fourth overall and he can’t wait to get back on his green machine at Matatiele.  “It’s a tight championship, but I’m up for the challenge and really hungry to get that first win on my green machine!”

“It's been a long time since we last went racing,” Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Motul OR3 250cc class rider Taki Bogiages admitted. “I'm super excited to head into round 3 — Matat will definitely be a great event, the area has super diverse terrain and I'm sure we will be tested in all aspects. “The team has made a tremendous effort to make me feel right at home on my Pepson Plastics Motul Kawasaki in this large gap between the races — I can't wait to give it all I've got!”

“I can’t wait to get to the National Cross Country down in Matat,” fellow OR3 man Kyle Mckenzie confirmed. “The track is looking awesome — it seems they will throw a mixture of everything from river beds to soft sand at us, which is good. “My Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Motul KX250X is perfect for all terrains and feels comfortable and fast — bring it on!” Taki sits joint sixth in a super-tight OR3 chase just 8 points off the lead, while Kyle is poised to vault up from 10th.

Two more Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Motul riders, the ever-improving OR1 rookie Craig Alcock has been building confidence in his first season on the big-bore machine and sits tenth in that title chase, while Senior man Lee Thompson will be looking for a clean run following a tough start to his two-wheeled season on his KX250X.

Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Motul is racing Kawasaki’s all-new built for cross country 2021 KX250XC and KX450XCs in the SA championship. Based on the ’21 KX motocross machines, both benefit specific XC tuned electric start engines with MotoGP derived finger follower valve technology and plug-and-play engine mapping for precision tuning via the KX FI Calibration kit.

The five-speed XC models get cross-country gearing for their close-ratio gearbox, a light and direct feel hydraulic clutch and traction control. XC-tuned Showa suspension on the 450 and KYB forks on the 250 is cross country ready, as are larger diameter brakes and optimised wheels with an 18" rear and cross country tyres. The XCs carry over the narrow KX frame with adjustable handlebar and foot peg positions, minimalistic bodywork and add a side stand and skid plates. 

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Pepson Plastics Kawasaki

What:South African Cross Country Moto Round 3 Preview
Where:Matatiele, Eastern Province
When:Saturday 21 August 2021
Community:South Africa National

For further information please contact pepson@mweb.co.za

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