What GXCC Cross Country Race Report
Where Rustenburg
When Saturday 14 October 2023
Community Gauteng Regional
Another win for Holl, great Kawasaki results all round
Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Racing with Scottish Cables and Motul enjoyed another positive day at the office at the penultimate round of the Gauteng GXCC Regional Cross County Championships at Rustenburg on Saturday.
“We had another great outing in Rustenburg highlighted by Pieter Holl all but wrapping up the GXCC Masters title today,” Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Racing team boss Iain Pepper confirmed. “Jaycee Nienaber and Wian Wentzel also both delivered great rides to keep in the hunt for their respective OR1 and OR3 championship chases and little Jake Pretorius delivered a fine fourth in 85 Junior too.
“We also had a few riders coming back after injury, racing Cross Country for the first time, and moving up a class too. Motocross legend Slade Smith came to race cross country racing and see what it’s all about, and he sensationally led early on, but wrong slotted a couple of times and was then concerned about a bike issue and decided to stop while lying third overall.
“Wade Den made a comeback after a year away as he recovered from a knee injury and ended fourth in OR1. Ryan Angilley also made a return from injury and ended sixth in OR3, and Jaden Boyce made his OR3 debut, but took a tumble early in the race and did not finish.”
Pieter Holl took his fourth Masters win in five GXCC starts to all but add the Gauteng title to his National championship with an impressive run to a lucky thirteenth overall. “It felt slow in the beginning and I sat third for the first half of the race,” Pieter reported.
“But thanks to Iain’s great race info at the end of the third lap, I managed to catch and pass Wayne Farmer and Kobus Jonck and pull a minute’s lead for the win. It was dusty and sandy with hardpack and rocks, but my Kawasaki handled that like it wasn’t there and ran brilliantly all day. Special thanks to my incredible Pepson Plastics team!”
Jaycee Nienaber rode home fifth in class and ninth overall on his Pepson Plastics Kawasaki KX 450 X, to head to the November finale three points off the GXCC OR1 championship lead. “That was a hot and dusty day in the saddle and I had an off in the first lap,” Jaycee explained. “So just rode to finish and put some points on the board, but my Pepson Plastics Kawasaki ran like a train as always and I was happy to bring it home in the top ten and fourth in OR1. Thanks to the team for a great machine as ever!”
Wian Wentzel fifth in OR3 and eleventh overall to also keep his class championship hopes very much alive on his Pepson Plastics Kawasaki KX 250 X. “A demanding day to say the least!” Wian admitted. “A bad start caused the damage and had me eating dust until finally I had some clean air to put two solid laps together and restore some confidence. Not the worst day all in all, and happy to be home safe in fifth. Shot, team!”
“Well done to our entire team on another job very well done in Rustenburg,” Iain Pepper concluded. “We had a great weekend and the guys did a brilliant job in really tough conditions, some came back after injury and others were out for the first time and all impressed.
“We have one more GXCC round to race with so much championship potential for the team at Carletonville in November, so it’s exciting times as we head to the end of the season. Let’s do it lads!”
*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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