MX nationals leg 5 successful despite dust and wind

Strong winds and dust did not slow riders down during the fifth leg of the motocross (MX) nationals at the Gallina MX Park north of Windhoek this weekend.

The event saw just under 50 riders in 10 different classes taking on each other despite windy and dusty conditions.

Many of them said the wind often pushes them off track and off balance, leaving them struggling to adjust.

Johané Engels du Plessis, the clark of the course, however, said despite these conditions, the event was a success.

Many of them use the motocross calendar’s last few events to prepare for the South African pre-national and national events on 24 and 31 August in Cape Town.

Engels du Plessis says at least 23 riders will compete against their South African counterparts.

She commended the organisers of this past weekend’s event, as no incidents or injuries were reported.

As a precautionary measure no race is allowed to take place without trained medics and an equipped ambulance on site.

This vital service was provided by OSH-Med International, supported by M+Z Motors, which provided a 4×4 Mahindra ambulance.

Derek Jacobs from the Namibia Motor Sport Federation (NMSF) after the event said: “As always the competition is good, the events are well organised, and some youngsters are coming up through the ranks.”

This is a good indication that the future of the sport is guaranteed, he said.

Jacobs had some advice for those who want to take on the bigger guns: “Patience, they need to be patien. It is like cars, be it rally or racing, seat time is important. You need that experience so you grow.”

As the NMSF official overlooking all motorised sport codes, Jacobs and his colleagues have to attend all events to ensure they take place without incidents.

The next event is on 10 August at the Gallina MX Park, with a Swakopmund event scheduled for 14 September.
The results are as follows:
50cc: First, Carter Bouwer, second, Delmar du Plessis, and third, Maximilian Skutsch.
65cc: First, De Wet Du Plessis, second, Oliver Mathews, and third, Markus Pack.
85cc: First, Khan Kotze, second, Leander Metzger, and third, Patrick Geiger.
Women’s MX: First: Zoe Waldschmidt, second, Rona Friedrich, and third, Abigail Still.
Veterans: First, Heiko Stranghoner, second, Sigi Pack, and third, Olaf Pack.
Open Class: First, Mark Sternagel, second, Rigo Wolf, and third, Tony Viljoen.
125cc Senior: Sternagel – the only participant in this class.
125cc Junior: First, Juan de Vos, second, Gero Friederich, and in third place, Jarno Metzger.
Clubmans: First, Killian Hamm, second, JF van Eeden, and third, JC Lochner.
King of the Dirt: First, Sternagel, second, De Vos, and third, Stranghoner.