Words: Shane Naude & Photos: Zygmund Brodalka
The highly anticipated third round of the MX Nationals was a roaring success, thanks to the hard work and commitment of the van Eerden family. Their efforts paid huge dividends, as they raised the bar of motocross in South Africa and hosted what must be the finest National this year.
With the track well prepped, practice and official qualifying rounds got off to a great start for Sacha Naude, who secured pole position in the MX1 class with an impressive lap time, despite him suffering from the heat and humidity. Michael Kok nailed the MX2 qualifying, with Sacha having to settle for second position.
The racing kicked off with the MX2 class and with 27 riders eager for some action it promised to be a tightly contested affair. By the third heat of the weekend, it had become a dog fight all the way to the chequered flag between KTM’s Kerim Fitzgerald and Yamaha’s Sacha Naude. On the final lap, a change in positions came very, very close, however, both boys kept it tidy and Gizmo took the final heat. Sacha convincingly won the MX2 Teza National with 69 points, followed by Kerim Fitzgerald with 65 points and Yamaha’s Michael Kok with 62 points. Anthony Raynard put on a solid performance to clinch 4th overall.
In the MX1 class, the race was on between Michal and Sacha as they continued to swop positions. Hats off to Michael Kok, who dropped the hammer to take the win in the first and last heats, and overall win. Rounding up the podium was Royce Griffin, with a 5th and two 4ths to claim 3rd overall. David Goosen's performance saw him secure 4th overall, ahead of Kerim Fitzgerald who had technical issues in the third heat.
Yamaha’s senior boss, Mr Adrian Bac, had a smile from ear to ear because for the second time this year, three Yamaha riders, namely Sacha Naude, Michael Kok and Royce Griffen, have taken the top three podium spots in the Premier class, proving that the 2014 YZF-450 is the most formidable machine currently available in South Africa.
Thanks to the van Eerden family, TRP (Jim Tarintino), Monster Energy, all the subsidiary sponsors and spectators that made this event such a great success, on every level imaginable. Furthermore, the addition of our newly sponsored Portable Shade gazebo has added a much-needed final touch to improve our level of professionalism in the pits. Special thanks also go to Brad Anassis.
Don't miss the MSA South African National MX Championship: Round 4, to be held on 5 July at Thunder Valley, Pietermaritzburg - it is going to be non-stop action. This event is followed by the WOMZA Monster Energy Motocross Nationals on 19 and 20 July in East London, and we look forward to seeing you there.
More information
For more information and all the results, visit www.mxsa.co.za
