What Trademore Feeds SA Cross Country Round 2 Preview
Where Jolivet, KZN
When Saturday 15 April 2023
Community South Africa National
Franchise Co Sleepover Tork Craft Honda heads for KZN
Franchise Co Sleepover Tork Craft Honda Wing Racing heads to the second round Trademore South African National Cross Country race at Jolivet in the KZN Midlands with a little extra local knowledge on its side, a multiple former champion joining the fold, and full team ready to go for gold.
Second in open OR1 last time out, Michael Pentecost is fully intent to go one better, both in the big class and overall. “I am really looking forward to the all famous KZN Jolivet National Cross Country,” Mike confirmed. “It has always been one of the best venues, so I’m excited to get out there with my Franchise Co Tork Craft Honda Wing CRF 450 RX. The bike is absolutely dialled in for this terrain and I’m feeling fit and fast. Can’t wait to get out there.”
Pentecost’s biggest challenge may well come from Jolivet Farm local and Honda OR1 teammate Gareth Cole. “I’m so excited to be racing with a home ground advantage and I’m seriously looking for the win,” Gareth warned. “I’ve put in the time and effort and I’m ready to show what I can do in the cane fields and timber plantations on my beast of a Franchise Co Tork Craft Honda CRF 450 RX. “Here’s to a solid day of racing and making it happen!”
Brother Haydn Cole is likewise relying on his local knowledge to continue his competitive start with fifth in the season opener. He leads a strong Franchise Co Tork Craft Honda Wing CRF 250 RX in the hugely competitive 250cc OR3 class. “I’m very excited for the upcoming national in Jolivet,” Haydn admitted. “My bike is good, I’m feeling great and I’m ready to see what I can do at a home town national. Let’s go!”
Tyron Beverley is another Honda OR3 rider looking to impress. “It feels like it’s been a while since we last raced, but I have used this time to iron out little things and get my Franchise Co Sleepover Tork Craft Honda CRF 250 RX perfectly. “I’m looking forward to a strong result down in KZN.” Noah Maartens and John Botha complete a strong four-bike Franchise Co Sleepover Tork Craft Honda OR3 attack in KZN.
Big news in the team’s Senior class line-up, is the return of former multiple SA champion Lowrens Mahoney. “Franchise Co Tork Craft Honda Wing Racing may be excited to have me aboard, but I think I am more even excited to be racing again!” Louwrens admitted. “I’m super grateful and blessed for the team’s belief in me and for this opportunity, so thank you so much Harry Grobler and Honda Wing SA!”
Two more Franchise Co Sleepover Tork Craft Honda senior riders are looking to go one better at Jolivet. Second in Seniors last time out, Wynand Delport simply loves racing in KZN. “I’m pretty excited as there’s just something about the terrain there that makes me happy, and everyone knows a happy rider is a fast rider! “We’re also hoping for damp conditions to keep the dust down so the racing can be tight.”
Warrick van Schalkwyk is keen to add to his Legends Masters class silver medal down in Jolivet. “I rode injured at the last race in Pretoria and somehow still finished second despite many challenges en route,” Warrick explained. “I’m still a little sore but I’m looking for a clean weekend in KZN. My Franchise Co Sleepover Tork Craft Honda and my Mitas tyres are lekker, I’m taking a positive attitude to KZN and I’m ready for the challenge. Bring it on!”
Franchise Co Sleepover Tork Craft Honda will also chase glory in the junior classes. Murray Smith fully intends to pick up where he left off on top of the National 85 cc pile in Pretoria. Teammates Jaden Els and Liam Scheepers will be among those aiming to displace him, while Johandre Vermaak is keen to impress in the hugely competitive 125cc High School class.
”Franchise Co Sleepover Tork Craft Honda Racing is locked and loaded for Jolivet and none of the guys can wait to get into those green KZN hills,” team boss Harry Grobler concluded. “We had a great start to the season at Legends last time out, and not only do we have a few KZN locals keen to impress, but two of the even lads live at Jolivet so we plan to take full advantage of that local knowledge. Bring it on! “
*Honda Racing salutes its partners, Tork Craft Tools, The Franchise Co, Sleepover Motels, CIT Accessories, Motul Oils, Mitas, Leatt Protectives, Pollisport, TNT Nutrition, Galfermoto brakes & Nitro Mousse
Issued on behalf of Honda Cross Country
Photography by: Action in Motion
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