Botswana Motor Sports Plans Recruitment Drive

Chakalisa Dube | Monday July 14, 2014 15:00

Racing official, Lola Berrie said over the weekend that they are interested in those who want to participate in the sport as spectators and racers. She was speaking on Saturday after Lobelo Racing Club of Francistown staged the maiden Botswana Motor Sports National Motocross Championships at the revamped Dumela racetrack.

The event had different age groups starting from five years. It had 50cc, junior quads, 65cc, 85cc, 125 High School, MX2 and MX1 classes with riders from Zimbabwe, Gaborone, Maun, Orapa and Francistown.

Amaah Parekh came first in the junior quads followed by Aryan Parekkh while Nathan Berrie won in the 50cc for four to nine-year-olds.

Nathan was the only entrant in the category. The first spot in 65cc category for racers aged 8-15 years went to a resolute Kosmos Mankukos who was trailed by Ayush Hegde. There were only two racers in the category.

In the 125 High School category contested by racers aged 13-16, Joshua Goby beat the celebrated Brady Armstrong in a closely contested race. Ross Branch easily won the MX2 class for those aged 15 and above. Dartagnan Lobjoit finished second ahead of Clayton Davis.

The MX1 category for racers aged 16 and above was won by an impressive David Kidd. He was trailed home by Mathew Lochart-Ross and Sean Jackson. The three were the only entrants in the race.

There were some non-finishers due to mechanical failure. They include Calvin Collington and Andre Kruger who suffered an injury. The duo were in the MX2 category.

For many years Botswana raced under Motor Sport South Africa. Last November, Botswana Motor Sports was officially affiliated to the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) giving the country the right to stage its own national championship.

The Francistown event was used for selection of the Botswana team to travel to Kitwe, Zambia for the Southern African Regional event next month.

The maiden event which will be held annually was sponsored by Gamma, Minetech, Waste Corp, Makasa Mining Suppliers, Becor Bricks, Security Services, Hansa Flex, Autostyle Racing Projects, Taurus Batteries, Moriti Wa Selemo, TransAfrica Blast and Lavik Consulting and Plant Hire.