Drought hits motocross

Namibia’s drought even affects motocross (MX) activities.

Due to this, the organisers of the Gallina MX had to find a new venue for the event.

Both venues at Gobabis and Omaruru were moved to Windhoek and Swakopmund for the rest of 2024 due to a lack of water, which is needed to wet the tracks to suppress dust, ensuring riders’ safety.

The Gallina MX tracks usually make use of grey water in Windhoek, while the cool weather and fresh sea air at Swakopmund naturally keep the tracks almost dust-free.

Speaking to event organiser Ingo Waldschmidt about the first six months of this year’s progress and a synopsis of the championships, he says they were forced to make alternative plans to host the rest of the year’s events.

One of the unforeseen circumstances was the death of former president Hage Geingob in February.

All sport events had to be either cancelled or postponed, forcing organisers to look for alternative dates to host the first leg of the Gallina, which was slated for that month.

The other was the drought, and alternative arrangements had to be made to keep the sport going.

“We just decided we will not ride at the two affected towns, since the surrounding farmers need the water for their farming operations,” Waldschmidt says.

The next event would most likely see South African riders participate, but the organisers say they have not received any names or numbers yet.

his is disappointing, Waldschmidt says.

“We are hopeful since there is still time left, and who knows, there may be a late entry or two,” he says.

Though hopeful for South African presence on local MX tracks, there are already confirmed plans to send a Namibian team to Cape Town to take part at the zone 7 prenational and the nationals on 24 and 31 August, respectively.

“These dates make it worthwhile to drive to Cape Town to participate there, and at the same time take a short holiday break,” Waldschmidt says.

The next event will once again see top riders in action as some of them have to defend their positions for the 2024 championships.

Entries close on Friday.