2024 in rewind reminds us of the challenges faced and the huge strides and progress made.
A team consisting of 8 individuals, together with sponsors and riders support, produced another National Championship Series to be proud of.
7 rounds of gruelling motocross with all 14 heats to count was no easy task. Fortunately, the workflows have been ironed out over the past years and the framework is in place, to successfully host a National Championship Series.
A total of 864 entries were processed over the 2024 season, with the Rover National acquiring the highest number of entries of 137. All classes reached the required minimum average number of starters to qualify and declare National Championship status, except for MX Masters and MX Supermini. MX High School Class having the highest number on 19.29 average.
Thank you to the hosting clubs for the effort and hard work preparing their National Championship events, and as we can see, we have grown from strength to strength. The onboarding of Terra Topia was certainly a highlight of the season and are super proud of the Mlimi Racing Co team for what they achieved in such a limited period of time.
Zone 7 deserves special mention, despite being faced with extreme adversity leading up to their National Championship event, and they were able to host yet another amazing event – Well done to Johann Spies and his team.
Our stats remain impeccable as we head toward the 4th year with only 1 yellow flag infringement and 1 official warning. This equates to great work from the team and proper communication to riders and parents.
Rules of the ‘game’ are in place for two reasons; firstly, SAFETY which is not negotiable, and secondly, FAIR RACING, which apply to everyone alike and no-one is exempt.
Regulations are reviewed annually to ensure any issues that occurred in the current year are resolved to ensure these do not reoccur. We encourage riders and parents to be aware of the regulations as they are updated from time to time.
The role of the MSA Motocross Commission is not complex at all. The function is to regulate motocross, and this means the regulations come from within, with the assistance of the motocross community. Often, members of the Commission receive many queries, however it is recommended that the correct protocol be followed, which is to address your query with your Regional Representative, who in turn would raise the matter for discussion with the MSA Motocross Commission. All matters are discussed and voted upon, and no query is denied hearing, every rider has the right to be heard.
This has truly been another year of success, officially producing 9 MSA National Champions, KTM winning the National Motocross Manufacturer, and an additional 8 Protea Colour Blazers were awarded at the MSA National Awards Function held at Emperors Palace on 1 December 2024. This is an absolutely brilliant outstanding achievement for motocross.
The success of the sport does not depend on one person, nor one committee, but depends upon every single person working together toward a common goal as a whole and maintaining the high level of motocross talent in South Africa.
We thank everyone from the club owners to the marshals and committees, officials, cleaners, kitchen staff, and everyone else at each venue for their contribution to motocross.
Often one forgets who created the path we walk on and take glory for achievements, yet without the hard work and dedication of amazing people behind the scenes (Let’s call them heroes), we would not have a sport that is run like a well-oiled machine. Our sincere gratitude to all the Motorsport South Africa staff.
There are certainly names in the fraternity which standout such as Cheryl Mc Lellan, Hazel Cox, Wouter Vermaak, Jim Tarantino, Matthew Dallas, Hayden Jones, Eury Mlimi, Mlimi Racing Co, Johan van Rooyen, Mauritz Meiring, Phiko Mditshwa, Johann Spies, Leon Durow, and the many others who have contributed to uplift motocross in South Africa in 2024.
What does it take to run a National? Apart from the basics of funding for the preparations, it takes a LOT of hard work from many individuals. The estimated number of accumulated “workhours” of preparation per National is around 1000 hours (incl. on the day).
The Commission has come a long way and although at times decisions made might not suite some, these decisions are made for the benefit and growth of the sport, and fruition is sometimes only reaped in 2 or 3 years. One such example is the removal of heat podium prize money for 2025. These funds will in turn be made available for the growth and development of the sport (more so for junior riders), once a club’s National event is complete. Another change for 2025 will be the “unofficial practice” on Friday, which is not mandatory, however will be run with the same rules and regulations as if it was official practice, keeping safety top priority. This information has been clarified to the fraternity that clubs would be financially benefitting from these changes, as the Commission’s role is to “support” the sport and clubs.
Thank you to our sponsors for another exemplary year of achievements: TRP Distributors, Venture Sports, Red Bull, Betterbrands, Bandit Graffix, Missing Second and Prepsol.
A word of congratulations to the motocross Champions. You did exceptionally well this year and can be proud of the officially recognised Champion status you have achieved in 2024. One such rider is Cameron Durow, racing two gruelling classes and winning both, this is what it takes to be a Champion and to go the extra mile. You are an inspiration to the young up and coming riders in SA, well done!
Thank you to the team of leaders on the MSA Motocross Commission:
• Damien Johnson – Northern Regions (MSA MX Vice-President)
• Romanda Marais – Western Cape
• Tarquin Walker – Eastern Cape
• Leon Durow – KwaZulu-Natal
• Guy Henley – Media and Sponsorship
• Serranne Meyer – Woman in Motorsport
• Nadira Maharaj – Junior Development
Our sport needs officials in all positions – level-headed, unbiased people who have a passion for Motocross. Times are indeed tough economically with clubs trying to stretch every cent and therefore we all need to help each other in one way or the other. MSA provides free courses and training which will help you on your official or volunteer motorsport journey. Before you ask what you can get out of it, ask what have you put into it. There are a number of these individuals currently who offer their time on race days free of charge as this is the only way the club will survive. We encourage everyone to help “their club” as much as possible with these services. Costs that each club cannot shy away from: risk and insurance cover (for club’s liability and risk) / Medical Services (for your safety) / Marshals (for your safety) / Track inspections (annual) (for your safety) / Track prep.
An average race day will cost a club no less than R40 000. Different provinces pay different costs for medical services ranging from R6000 to R16 000 for a club race. Entry fees are used prepare the tracks. Machine hire is estimated around R1 200 an hour in some cases and clubs with machines need to fund diesel, repairs and staff. The profitability lies with the additional bolt-on products like hamburgers and bar facilities to make ends meet. Please get involved with your club and be the better person for the sport as a whole.
As the Chairman of this Commission and as an official at an event, I have watched a young rider win his last race and win the Championship with tears streaming down his face. The emotions of all his hard work throughout the year paid off, while seeing a proud father and mother gleaming with pride. A senior rider wins two Championships with his father standing in the background incredibly proud of his son. A young rider’s father embraces his son with such passion and pride nobody can take away. The joy in my heart that this was all created by sport alone, the families that have been brought together and the pride among families is simple: PRICELESS
I thank you for the opportunity to lead this team of inspiring individuals throughout 2024.
We hope to see you in 2025 for another exciting season of the highest MX talent in South Africa on the gates, with MSA will undoubtably bringing another fun and action-packed motocross season made for CHAMPIONS.
Issued by Neville Townsend – MSA MX Commission President on behalf of the MSA Motocross Commission