Summarize

Team Green Going For Gold at KZN National

Kawasaki’s Green Team heads to Dalton in KwaZulu Natal looking for gold in the second round of the 2022 Trademore Group MSA South African National Cross Country Motorcycle Championship. The team enjoyed a double class victory, with Kenny Gilbert in the Senior and Jake Pretorius in the 85cc Junior classes, while Mike Pentecost was in the fight for the lead in spite of many troubles in the Pretoria season opener. Now the team is out for better in the second round.

“We had a great start to the national season at our home race in Pretoria,” Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki team boss Iain Pepper confirmed. “With two class wins it was great on the one hand, but we were also a little unlucky in the overall race, so we are looking forward to seeing what Dalton brings.”

Franchise Co. CIT Kawasaki’s 2021 OR1 champion Mike Pentecost has been working hard since that tough Pretoria opener. Not only has he dominated both GXCC Gauteng regionals since, but he’s put a mammoth effort in off the bike. “The Pepson Plastics National was tough for me in the saddle,” Mike explained. “But I've had a great lead up to Dalton with my training and diet thanks to my wife and I have won two regionals on my Franchise Co. CIT Kawasaki too. “So I’d say we are ready. “Let’s do this team!” 

Pretoria Senior winner Kenny Gilbert cannot wait to race in Dalton. "I really enjoy racing in KZN,” Kenny admitted. “It’s always different to what we are used to up here in Gauteng. “Still, Dalton is going to be a tough event, the forest sections and elevation changes with tight Road sections make it very demanding. “But this is what makes Cross Country Nationals so interesting and fun, so I cannot wait!” 

OR3 rider Taki Bogiages meanwhile cannot wait to race back at full fitness after racing the early season in recovery mode. “It's been a month since our first round and I'm really looking forward to racing in KZN,” Taki admitted. “KZN always mixes the terrain and challenges us in various ways! “I've spent the time between these rounds rehabilitating my elbow and its really helped a lot. “My team has been exceptional and it's always great getting out and racing my KX250X. “It's building up to an awesome season!"
 
Pepson racer Bogiages will race alongside Franchise Co. CIT Kawasaki rider John Botha in OR3, while former multiple motocross champion and second Senior rider Wyatt Avis rides a a second Pepson Scottish Motul Kawasaki alongside Gilbert in the Senior class. “My first national was so tough!” Wyatt owned up. “But I learned so much about this type of racing and what I need to be better at, so I’m really looking forward to putting that into action at Dalton for my first KZN National. “Thanks again to Iain and the team — let’s do this guys!"

Another South African motocross legend, Wade Den will line up for Kawasaki alongside Mike Pentecost in open class OR1. “I am beyond excited for this new opportunity with Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki for 2022,” Wade admitted. “My KX450X and the whole Pepson Plastics team have been awesome and I have great support from Jim & Eury at TRP, Thor, Gaerne and Robel Foods. “Now I'm looking forward to improving in each race throughout the season.” 

“We have a great line-up for Dalton and we are looking forward to making those KZN hills even greener!” Franchise Co. CIT Kawasaki supremo Harry Grobler concluded. “We had a good start in Pretoria and now we are ready to deliver even better results. “Give it horns guys, let’s do this!”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Pepson Plastics Kawasaki

What:Trademore Feeds SA Cross Country Round 2 Preview
Where:Dalton, KwaZulu Natal
When:Saturday 26 March 2022
Community:South Africa National

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

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