What SA Cross Country Motorcycle Championship Round 5 Report
Where Bloemfontein, Free State
When Saturday 9 September 2023
Community South Africa National
Four National Cross Country titles in three years for Kawasaki
Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Scottish Cables and Motul came home from Bloemfontein with a fourth Trademore South African Cross Country Motorcycle title in three years since Kawasaki returned to dirtbike racing in 2021. 2023 Masters champion Pieter Holl joins Pepson Plastics 2022 Masters champion Kenny Gilbert and Kawasaki’ double 2021 and ’22 OR1 champion Mike Pentecost on Team Green’s roll of honour.
“2023 was another vintage year for Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Scottish Cables and Motul,” team principal Iain Pepper confirmed. “Not only did our Master Peter Holl ensure that Kawasaki has taken a title in every season since returning to National Cross Country Motorcycle racing, but the rest of the team enjoyed a great weekend too.
“Pieter came home second in Masters and both Jaycee Nienaber and Wian Wentzel rode into the top ten en route to sixth in OR1 and third on OR3, respectively. In the junior classes, Jake Pretorius was fifth in the National 65cc race and Jayden Boyce took the IPC High School win.”
Masters champion Pieter Holl was proud to fix the red number one plate to his Kawasaki on Saturday afternoon. “I was delighted to come home second in Bloemfontein to wrap up the 2023 South African Masters Cross Country Championship,” Pieter confirmed. “That was another great weekend of racing on a hard and fast track. “I must thank my incredible Pepson Plastics Kawasaki team for a brilliant machine at every race, and Iain for everything that has made this incredible result possible. Thank you all so much for a great season!”
Wian Wentzel was similarly delighted to return to National action in a fine third on OR3. “I really enjoyed another awesome weekend ripping my Kawasaki KX 250 X in Bloem,” Wian admitted. “The bike ran smoothly all day on a fast and flowing track, but the heat made racing conditions very challenging. Still, I pushed through to finish a strong third in class and tenth overall. “I’m stoked to end my national season on a high and big thanks to the whole team, my family and supporters for always backing me to enjoy doing what I love!”
Jaycee Nienaber was also happy with his top ten finish. “That was a hot, dusty, and challenging day in the saddle, with a combination of fast racing and some twisty challenges in between. My Pepson Plastics Kawasaki KX 450 X was ran strong as always, getting me to the finish line ninth overall and sixth on OR1. Huge thanks to the team as always for a fantastic bike and the opportunity to race it flat out!”
Pepson Plastics Kawasaki High School lad Jayden Boyce also enjoyed a positive outing as he picked up the IPC 125 cc win in the Free State finale. “It was hot and dusty, but I had a blast at Bloemfontein,” Jayden admitted. “Congratulations to oom Peter and all my teammates on a great weekend, and a huge thank you to my Pepson Plastics team!”
“That successfully wraps up another great Trademore South African National Cross Country Championship season for Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Scottish Cables and Motul,” team boss Iain Pepper concluded. “There’s still the matter of the Gauteng GXCC championship to wrap up, but we must congratulate all our riders, and our whole team on another great national effort. Thank you, guys!”
*Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki Factory Racing salutes Gilberts Mining & Engineering, the Reinhardt Transport Group, Michelin, Arai, Bikewise, Acerbis and Renthal handlebars for their support.
Issued on behalf of Kawasaki Cross Country
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