Speedy �Dudie� returns to Lobelo Motocross
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday June 9, 2017 15:18
In his last outing here, Dudie who was rowdy on his 85cc motorbike stole household riders light and won the hearts of the local spectators when he left big engine riders feeding on his dust.
With his exploits in this season of Botswana Motor Sport, the 13-year-old from the Gaborone Motor Club is promising to become the next best rider the country has ever produced. Locally he is the lone rider in the 85cc class and as thus he usually races with a group of riders on bigger engines than his.
In an interview with Mmegi Sport, he promised a faster and exciting race this weekend.
He said racing against bigger bikes enhances his performance and has improved his speed. Dudie said he is excited to return to the Dumela Circuit.
“Francistown has showed so much support for me every time I am racing there and I am looking forward to entertaining my supporters, I promise to be on my faster mode and they should expect an exciting racing from me.
“I am also looking forward to the challenge once more with all the riders, they have contributed a lot to my improvement in speed and concentration. I am targeting a best three finish against the big bikes,” he said.
Dudie was also on fire at the recently concluded Khawa Dune challenge where he scooped first position ahead of his growing rival Teto Chibana in the 19.5km Wildebeest race. Teto rides a 125cc.
The current MX1 leader, Ross Branch would look to cement his place at the top of the charts. Branch has been in excellent form this season as he still topping the South African off road championships chats after two rounds.
He recently took part at the Khawa Cultural festive as part of the preparations for the weekend’s event. In other categories, leader Tristan Berrie (PW50), Nathan Berrie (MX50), Seth Meyer (MX65), Brady Armstrong (MX125), Brad Pieterse (VMX) and Douglas Morris (MX2) would look to cement their places at the top of the charts after splendid displays in the first round of the championship held in March.
The chairperson of the hosting Lobelo, Lola Berrie said they are expecting an epic weekend of racing with an improved number of racers in an improved circuit. She also highlighted that Botswana’s favourite, Mamaloukos will once again take on some of the bigger competitors in an exciting line up of Botswana’s crème of riders.
She said to add to the excitement, two new corners and jumps have been added on the junior circuit as well as on the senior circuit, which is also inclusive of the new major jump. Lola said the improved circuit gives the riders more challenge that will propel them to the international standards.
“Not only competition is growing amongst the local riders, the sport is also growing tremendously. This time around we have more junior entries and an increased number of female riders,” she said.
“We had to improve our circuit to try and provide them (Riders) with a little more challenge in terms of the track, this is to ensure we can slowly bring them to the international level,” she said. Berrie also confirmed they will be hosting visiting riders from the neighbouring South Africa and Zimbabwe.
She said the move is fundamental and will help the locals particularly those who compete in the South African motocross national championships (SAMNC) to grow their skill level and bring them to par with the regional levels.
Amongst those competing in the SAMNC are Mamaloukos, Tristan Berrie, Teto Chibana, Ross Branch, and Brad Pieterse to mention but a few. “Having visitors is a huge feat, it will help better place Botswana and our riders and of course to also grow their skill level. It gives us an opportunity to up our standards to those of the regional competitions.”
Entry fee is P30.00 per person and children under 12 is P20.00 and the organisers have put in place two major crowd pleasers for the spectators. The ever popular stunt show of a wheelie competition as well fun relay that would be held in the junior circuit.