Armstrong eyes first with Dakar debut
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday October 30, 2020 14:29
Armstrong is targeting the 2022 edition, following in the footsteps of countrymen, Ross Branch and Vincent Crosbie. But the duo competed at the world famous rally using Motorsport South Africa (MSA) licenses.
The teenage biker was initially set to compete at next year’s Dakar Rally, but due to school commitments he has had to delay his debut by a further 12 months.
He earlier this year got a feel of the Dakar Rally as an observer at Saudi Arabia. The 18-year-old has since joined the Netherlands based HT Rally Raid Husqvarna motorcycle team.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport, Armstrong’s father and manager, Gregg Armstrong said the biker is set for an intensive training in the first quarter of 2021, looking to secure a berth at the prestigious race.
“Brady as the first BMS licence holder to Dakar is historic and we hope it encourages other fellow BMS riders to aim for international and World Championship events. Armstrong’s Racing and HT Rally Raid Husqvarna in the Netherlands chose Dakar 2022, as Brady is currently writing his Matric (BGCSE) exams, then we start full Dakar training in December, and (we) will do our Dakar qualifier in the first three to four months of 2021, then prepare for Dakar in January 2022,” he said.
Armstrong senior, also said they are aware of the gruelling financial demands of participating at the world’s biggest off-road race. He said his team has since partnered with Sherlanga Safaris based in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
“Sponsorship is not from Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, similar to BTO (Botswana Tourism Organisation). Sherlanga Safaris is a private tourism and adventure company.
Our sponsorship covers complimentary stay for Brady, myself as his manager. Brady will be promoting his country, Botswana to his Dutch racing team and other motorsport people globally, inclusive of Maun, Okavango Delta, Chobe and into Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
“Armstrong’s Racing has previously invited and hosted Motocross riders from the USA and our team manager from the Netherlands last year. There is no conflict of interest at all, support and sponsorship for Brady has started coming in from Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and possibly Namibia and the USA as we are currently in discussion with sponsors. We are hoping our local organisations like BTO, Brand Botswana come on board and support this young rider as he heads out to FIM World Championship off road races,” he said.
Meanwhile, local motorsport will return to action at the Kumakwane 200 fun day on Saturday. The local season has been cancelled due to the impact of the COVID-19, but clubs have taken the initiative to organise events to keep active.