Summarize

But will spectators be allowed back by Saturday?

The Cannabis Energy Drink TRP Distributors South African National Motocross Championship is looking forward to a full day’s racing when it heads to Chestnut Hill in Bronkhorstspruit on the eastern verges of Gauteng Province on Saturday 18 September. Especially if spectators are allowed back. Only one heat of racing went down when Pietermaritzburg’s Thunder Valley lived up to its name and treacherous conditions caused all the classes' second races to be cancelled last time out. 

That did not prevent Red Bull KTM star Tristan Purdon from hanging on to both the MX1 and MX2 title leads in KZN. The Eastern Cape star heads to the Highveld looking to make up for lost ground in both classes last time out. Cape rider David Goosen and his Rockstar Energy Drink Husqvarna took the single open class win at Thunder Valley. Red Bull KTM duo Cameron Durow and Cross Country star Bradley Cox and Anthony Raynard's Tinswalo Yamaha are also in that picture.

KZN racer Cameron Durow took the 250cc MX2 win on his Red Bull KTM, from David Goosen’s Rockstar Husqvarna and championship leader Tristan Purdon’s Red Bull KTM in 'Martizburg. Also keep an eye on Leonard du Toit, reigning champion Anthony Raynard's Tinswalo Yamaha, Dalton Venter’s Yamaha and Jayden Proctor on a KTM among the quarter-litre brigade.

Over-30s rider Grant Frerichs will be out to continue his MX3 title charge on his Yamaha. He can expect a little more competition in Gauteng. Over-40 championship rivals, Honda rider Bruce Viljoen’s, Ian Topliss’ Out of Africa Monster Energy Yamaha, Phillip Harper on a Honda and Stewart Parkes are among those likely to make it even tougher on Freirichs.

Leah Heygate was one rider who lost out to the conditions in Martizburg, if Ladies Motorcross form is anything to go by so far this season. That cancelled second heat prevented the KZN lass from the opportunity to once again share wins with winner last time out, Jozi rider Kayla Raaff and her Kawasaki. Also expect the de Lima sisters, Jadene and Cheyenne to be in with a shout among SA’s motocross girls on their Husqvarnas.

Jonathan Mlimi is the lad to beat in High School 125cc Motocross on his Red Bull KTM. He extended his championship advantage by beating Luke Grundy’s Husqvarna last time out, while Ethan Hoffman’s Out of Africa Monster Energy Yamaha is his closest championship threat. Then, KTM trio Miguel de Waal and Barend du Toit and Blake Young, Cuan Conway's GasGas and Callan Broskie's Ridgeway Husqvarna must prevent another Mlimi win to keep any title hopes alive.

Rockstar Husqvarna lad Neil van der Vyver is meanwhile the 85cc Pro Mini kid to watch after his treacherous condition performance last time out. The 65cc champion has come alive and is on a come from behind charge that will be keeping the likes of championship leader Trey Cox on a Red Bull KTM, Husqvarna duo Ryan Adler and Jordan van Wyk, Christian Berrington-Smith's KTM and Kodi Goosen on a Yamaha awake an night.

Pietermaritzburg served to spice up the 85cc Junior chase. Caden Wiese and Tyler Petersen’s Husqvarna and KTM trio, Matthew Correia, Andrew Venter, and Kassim Hassim will be out to gain any advantage at Bronkhorstspruit. Blade Tilley and his GasGas are the 65cc race combination to beat, but Aiden Henley’s Out of Africa Monster Energy Yamaha, KTM lads, Riley Rocher, Blake and Evan Frost and Casey Tilley's GasGas will all be out to stop him.

And finally, Championship leader Trenton Kretzmann remains the kid to beat in baby class 50cc motocross on his Perry Husqvarna. He will have Maxwell Fourie’s Cobra, Rayden Woolls’ GasGas and KTM trio Brody Bircher, Ross Mackenzie and Ashton Rawlins on his case on what is likely to be a dry and dusty Chestnut Hill Motocross Park in Bronkhorstspruit this weekend.

Spectators remained banned from watching live sports at the time of writing. But that may very well change by the time the first gate drops at Chestnut Hill on 18 September. Should the President confirm that ban is lifted at his expected Family Meeting, what better way to celebrate than by heading off to watch SA’s finest motocross racers in action, not too far from Jozi? Here’s holding thumbs!

The 2021 South African National Motocross Championship is proudly presented by Motorsport South Africa in partnership with Cannabis Energy Drink, TRP Distributors, Prepsol, Bridgestone, Thor, Gaerne, FMF, Pro Taper, 100%, Fly Racing, Ogio, Bandit Graffix and the Race Shop. 

ENDS

Issued on behalf of SA Motocross

What:South African National Motocross Round 5 Preview
Where:Chestnut Hill, Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng
When:Saturday 18 September 2021
Community:South Africa National

For further information please contact noleen@mxsa.co.za

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