Motocross gains momentum

The gates opened at 06h00 as riders and crew arrived to prepare for races over three heats, which require more than stamina and concentration.

This code is all about fitness, and physical and mental preparedness.

Well-known rider and Namibia's first and only participant in the Dakar rally Ingo Waldschmidt on Saturday expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the day.

“Some 56 entries . . . that is amazing, and in the light of the economy, this is really cool, and we have a lekker track for both juniors and seniors.”

Waldschmidt said the sport is slowly recovering from Covid-19 health regulations which kept them from hosting events.

He said both men and women, young and old are doing well after the long absence from the tracks.

There are three events left for the rest of the year, with two at Windhoek's Gallina tracks, and one at Gobabis.

“Due to the uncertainty of Covid-19 earlier this year we could not plan much, but we are optimistic for next year, and will plan better,” Waldschmidt said.

He said Mark Sternhagel, who is not only an icon on the motocross tracks, but also in muscle cars, is investing a lot of time in developing younger riders.

Though the youngsters do not take part in the more serious races and jumps, they are competing against each other on dirt tracks and in front of spectators.

Since motorsport is dangerous, and anything can happen while racing, all riders are expected to wear safety gear as prescribed by international motorsport regulatory bodies.

This includes helmets, shoulder guards, boots and gloves.

An ambulance with qualified paramedics is always on standby.

This is needed as the more senior riders do not compete for a podium finish, but also jump over some of the ramps with their bikes.

Here nerves of steel are required as they can reach heights of up to four metres and higher during the different legs.

Sternhagel recently returned to the tracks almost a year after sustaining serious injuries which almost put his sporting career in jeopardy.

“I am still unfit, but am slowly returning,” he said.

Sternhagel commended the organisers and officials on a well-organised event.

Taking part in seven different categories ranging from youngsters on 50cc bikes to the senior riders on their bigger 450cc bikes, it was an eventful.

The winners are:

Open Class: Sternhagel with 75 points, followed by Don Ray Botha with 66 points, and Wanjo Kollmitz in third place with 60 points.

Veterans: Frank Klosta with 75 points, Rudie Brand with 66 points, and Heiko Stranghorner with 60 points.

Women: Geena Sadlowski with 75 points, Zoe-Lee Waldschmidt with 66 points, and Ronja Friedrich with 60 points.

Club: Gerhard Simon with 75 points, Thimo Martins with 64 points, and Tertius Joubert in third position with 59 points.