Summarize

Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Michelin, Motul, Bikewise and Scottish Cables came home smiling from an emotional fifth round 2024 GXCC Gauteng Cross Country Motorcycle championship race in Leandra on Saturday. Pieter Holl once again made the Masters race his own, while Geoff Den took a great Veterans victory. Jake Pretorius was a splendid second in OR4, while Cameron Becker third and Wian Wentzel fourth rode far better than their OR3 Pro results suggest, and Jayden Boyce had a good day in OR3 Pro Am.

“We had another fine day in the saddle in the Gauteng GXCC Cross Country Motorcycle championship on Saturday,” Pepson Plastics Kawasaki team principal Ian Pepper confirmed. “We rode in memory of former Team Green rider Mike Pentecost who tragically lost his life after a crash at the previous round. Mike won the National OR1 championship riding a Kawasaki a couple of years ago, so this was a pretty poignant weekend with a parade in Mike’s honour and all of us carrying his famous number 929.

“Getting back to Saturday’s race, Pieter Holl is still the Masters King and he showed us that with another win on Saturday. Geoff Den won Veterans again and Jake Pretorius is knocking on the door of a first senior class win after another impressive outing on a big bike in OR4. Jayden Boyce had a good day in OR3 Pro Am, but we were out of luck in OR3 Pro. The 250 class promised so much more for Cameron Becker and Wian Wentzel, but Lady Luck was cruel to them on the weekend. But a great outing overall, so very well done team!”

Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Masters champion Pieter Holl remains unbeaten in 2024. “That was another great race,” Pieter confirmed. “I started well and kept my cool on a quick and  dusty track and Warrick van Schalkwyk kept me honest as usual so it was no picnic. My team was however brilliant and our pit work was immaculate and probably the difference once again today, so thanks so much to the lads! This one is for you, Mike.”

Geoff Den was delighted by what ultimately proved a dominant Veterans victory: “I had a great outing aboard my Pepson Plastics Kawasaki today,” Geoff explained. “It’s also good to be back on top again and in the title fight for 2024 and I look forward to keeping this momentum going. Thanks to the team for all the incredible support.” 

Cameron Becker and Wian Wentzel were however left more than a little disappointed after storming home second and third in OR3 Pro after a scintillating final lap saw them make up a couple of conditions each. “There was a veld fire on the route and the race was stopped after we passed that point. Which meant the race was scored after three laps instead of the four we completed and that dropped us both two places,” Cameron rued. “Suppose that’s just racing,” Wian added. “It can be so cruel sometimes!”

“Cameron and Wian can be justified in wanting a little bit more in those circumstances,” Iain Pepper concluded. “Still, we came home with a bunch of medals and two of them are gold, so once again, well done to our entire team!” Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Michelin, Motul, Bikewise and Scottish Cables returns to GXCC Cross Country Racing following at a venue to be confirmed shortly on Saturday 24 August.