Summarize

Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Michelin, Motul, Bikewise and Scottish Cables plucked three gold medals, and a lot more, to come home smiling from the seventh round GXCC Gauteng Cross Country Motorcycle championship race at Bronkhorstspruit on Saturday. 

“We had an excellent outing at Bronkhorstspruit,” Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Michelin, Motul, Bikewise and Scottish Cables team boss Iain Pepper admitted. “Cam Becker was an incredible third overall on an OR3 bike as he took another class win, Geoff Den cruised to an easy Vets win, and Pieter Holl had to work for it for once, but still, he won.  

“We also had a whole lot of other great results. Jake Pretorius took a clever second in OR4, Wian Wentzel was a fine third on his debut on the big Pepson Plastics Kawasaki KX 450 X in OR1, Stuart Billingham came home fifth in class on his OR3 debut aboard a KX 250 X for the first time. And Jaycee Nienaber eased back into action following his competitive pause to recuperate from injury. “Well done to the entire team – you’ve done us proud once again!”

Cameron Becker is going from strength to strength in OR3. “My Kawasaki KX 250 X was on rails today and that allowed me to score third overall against the best guys in the country, which even surprised me!” Cam explained. Thanks to my Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Michelin, Motul, Bikewise and Scottish Cables family, and everyone who contributed to this win. And well done to the GXCC team for yet another awesome race!”

Pieter Holl had to work a little harder at Bronkhorstspruit for his now expected GXCC Masters win. “I made extra work for myself today,” Pieter grinned. “I had a big crash and slipped down the order while I did some emergency repairs to my Pepson Plastics Kawasaki. I was down in fifth by the time I got going again, so I just put my head down and rode like hell and was able to pick my way back through the dust to the front for the win!”

Wian Wentzel may have had a great 450cc debut, but he was also left wanting a little more. “I started my OR1 career with the holeshot,” Wian pointed out. “But then I threw it away in the second corner, which was a bit of a bummer being such a dusty day on track. All in all I am most satisfied with my result. It’s definitely a big change from the 250 but I am sure with more time on the bike, I’ll find a comfortable set-up to ride at my full potential. Big thanks to the team, my family and Oom Iain for the opportunity to ride the 450!”

"I would like to add a big thank you to Steve Pretorius for taking over the team manager role in my absence," Iain Pepper concluded. "Steve is doing a superb job in getting everything together and running the team like our usual clockwork, as everybody has become accustomed to. Well done guys!" 

Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Michelin, Motul, Bikewise and Scottish Cables has one more 2024 racing appointment at the GXCC Gauteng Cross Country finale at Fochville on 16 November.