Eight of South Africa’s top riders will represent Africa at the inaugural FIM Intercontinental Games (ICG), set to take place at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Spain from 30 November to 1 December 2024. This prestigious event will bring together riders from 19 countries, representing six continental unions, including Africa.
Leading South Africa’s charge are Chris Wright, captain of the SSP 300 class (Team: KJ Mononyane, Taigh Janse van Rensburg, and Abigail Bosson), and Clint Seller, captain of the SSP class (Team: Dino Iozzo, Leungo Gaorekwe, and Nicole van Aswegen). Both teams will be guided by Team Manager Damion Purificati.
CEO of Motorsport South Africa (MSA), Vic Maharaj, expressed his pride saying, “It is a proud moment for MSA to see our riders standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best at the first-ever FIM Intercontinental Games. The selection of these athletes is a testament to the growing strength and talent of South African motorsport. We are confident they will make the country proud as they compete on this prestigious platform.”
The event will feature 48 competitors in total, with each team fielding eight riders across two classes: Supersport (SSP) and Supersport 300 (SSP300). According to Maharaj, the competition presents an exceptional opportunity for young talent to shine internationally. “In addition to individual achievements, the event emphasises a team format, where the collective points of each rider will contribute to their continental union’s overall success,” he says.
While the inaugural edition will be limited to Supersport and Supersport 300 classes, the FIM plans to expand to other disciplines, such as Motocross and Enduro, as the event grows. Yamaha Europe, as the official partner, will supply the R7 and R3 machines for the competition.
Damion Purificati, the South African team manager, acknowledged the preparation challenges but expressed confidence in his riders. “The preparation has been challenging as a few team members still have international commitments to finish, but these are experienced riders. Once everyone is back, we’ll regroup to discuss strategies. Both Clint and Nicole have already been to the track, and I’m impressed with their progress, especially Nicole’s recovery from her fractured femur. I’ve prepped the R7 to suit both riders, and we’ll do the same for the others once they return.”
South Africa’s racing heritage will be on full display, with Dunlop serving as the official tyre supplier and BETA UTENSILI providing professional tools for the teams. Riders will sport their continental union (CONU) colours, with SPIDI providing airbag suits and gloves, XPD supplying boots, and Airoh delivering FIM Racing homologated GP 800 helmets.
Reflecting on the team dynamics with both male and female riders represented on each team, Purificati said he believed we’ve selected the perfect balance of experience and talent. “Our captains, Chris Wright and Clint Seller, are among South Africa’s most successful riders, true leaders who will inspire their teammates.”
Chris Wright, captain of the SSP 300 team, conveyed his pride in leading the South African team. “It’s an immense honour to represent South Africa at the inaugural Intercontinental Games. This is not just significant for our country but for the entire continent. I’m confident our team will inspire with their talent, determination, and unity.” Wright said he felt what differentiated the team was the ability to overcome any adversities that may stand in their way. “South Africans have always had a fighting and resilient nature as proven by the success from our many disciplines of sport.”
Clint Seller, captain of the SSP team, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of enjoying the experience. “Our riders are strong, fast, and experienced. My advice to the team is to enjoy the moment. If we’re having fun, we’ll be winning.”
He added that possibly the biggest challenge the team may face is not having had sufficient time to train on the R7 as stock was not available. “However the African determination will push us to new levels,” he says confidently.
The event promises to be a landmark moment in the international motorsport calendar, and all eyes will be on South Africa to see how their top riders fare on this prestigious global stage.
“I’m excited about this opportunity for our riders to showcase their talent and gain international experience,” added Purificati. “Competing against some of the world’s best will only help them grow and strengthen their skills.”
As the FIM celebrates its 120th anniversary, FIM President Jorge Viegas concludes, “As the date for the first-ever FIM InterContinental Games draws closer the sense of anticipation is growing stronger and stronger. It is very exciting to be bringing together all six FIM Continental Unions in the FIM’s one-hundred-and-twentieth anniversary year and to have riders from across the world competing underlines a very real sense of unity. I am confident that this is just the beginning and that the ICG will continue to develop and grow.”
PREPARED ON BEHALF OF MOTORSPORT SOUTH AFRICA BY CATHY FINDLEY PR