2016 SA Motocross Nationals Thunder Valley Race Report

A cool mist draped itself over the track, and it was a crisp morning that greeted the competitors in Round 5 of the 2016 Monster Energy TRP Distributors SA National Motocross Championship at Thunder Valley in Pietermaritzburg.

The early freshness did not last long however, and before they knew it, the competitors were dealing with a warm, dry and challenging day on the track. The track featured hard pack with lots of tabletops, resulting a fast but very unforgiving day of riding.

The day’s competition kicked off with MX2, and the division stalwarts Kerim Fitz-Gerald and David Goosen were both in it to win it. Fitz-Gerald proved the on-form competitor and won the 2nd heat comfortably to ensure the overall win from Goosen and Anthony Raynard in 3rd.

Kerim Fitz-Gerald taking the MX2 win at Round 5 of the MX Nationals — Kerim Fitz-Gerald

In MX1 there was also a serious 2nd Heat domination, this time by Sacha Naude with Kerim Fitz-Gerald and David Goosen hot on his heels, and Anthony Raynard not far behind. Naude’s win gives him the points lead in MX1, and earns him the red plate.

Sacha Naude taking the XM1 win at Round 5 of the MX Nationals — Sacha Naude

MX3 featured some of the fiercest battles of the day go down, seeing Ryan Hunt and Ian Topliss going hard, with neither giving any quarter. There were a couple of bumps and nudges going down as they both gave it stick. The lead switched constantly throughout this entertaining heat and it was Hunt who emerged victorious. Brett Bircher finished off the podium in 3rd.

Ryan Hunt racing to victory in the MX3 class — Ryan Hunt

After perennial Ladies competitor Toni Jardine was involved in a crash in heat one, Brittany Cuthbert and Nanda Clowes were left in the race and clawing for victory. After some spectacular racing and the lead changing many times, Cuthbert kept her head down on the final stretch for the win.

Brittany Cuthbert racing to victory in the Ladies division at round 5 of the MX Nationals — Brittany Cuthbert

The inspirational 125 High School divisions saw a new rider on the top step. He has been at the top all season, but things just haven’t been going his way. In this event Marco De Vrye had his day and took over from the regular top runners, Keegan Hickson Mahoney in 2nd and Slade Smith in 3rd.

Marco De Vrye taking the 125 Highschool win at Round 5 of the Motocross nationals — Marco De Vrye

It was an exciting and crazy day with all competitors knowing that this event was absolutely crucial for points in the second half of the year. As it stands, points can still go either way in many divisions. It is proving to be one of the most exciting years for SA National MX, and the final stretch will be a veritable nail-biter.

Round 6 of the 2016 Monster Energy TRP Distributors SA National Motocross Championship heads to Holeshot Harrys in Harrismith on 17 Sepember.