Summarize

A tough day’s motocross in the Free State

Husqvarna South Africa’s motocross team came back from Harrismith in the Free State with less points than expected in the SA national championships following a hard afternoon at Harrismith’s windy penultimate sixth round races on Saturday. It was a mixed weekend for team leader Richie van der Westhuizen in both MX1 and MX2, while stand-in MX2 lad Caleb Tennant enjoyed a positive day at the races.

“It was a step forward in the championship on the one side and a step back on the other,” Richie van der Westhuizen explained. “I took a third and a second in MX1 to end up third on the day and we closed the gap a little on championship leader Tristan Purdon, although David Goosen had a slightly better run to draw level with me in the title chase. “We lost a little ground in MX2 though — I finished 5-4 to end fifth and I lost a little ground to David there.

“It was a bit of a step back not to win after a few races up front, but it wasn’t a bad weekend. “Now it leaves it all to do at the season finale at Terra Topia on 14 October. “My Husqvarnas ran like a dream as always — special thanks to the team for all the effort — we go into both championship showdowns lying second in the standings — it’s going to be a cliffhanger!”

Caleb Tennant meanwhile continued to deliver solid results aboard the other factory MX2 Husqvarna, where he’s standing in for the injured Maddy Malan. “That was a positive weekend,” Caleb reported. “I was quick in practice and the races went quite well — I ended up third in the first Moto, but Richie put one over me in the second and I finished fifth, but I beat Richie by a point to finish fourth for the day. “Thanks again to Husqvarna SA for the opportunity to race as part of the team — I am learning more every race — this is a fantastic experience!”

“We have been winning quite a lot lately, so it was a bit odd to go home without a Number One trophy this weekend,” Husqvarna South Africa brand manager Fred Fensham concluded. “The lads scored well though — Richie is still second in both championship chases and Caleb rode well this weekend — also congratulations to Husqvarna rider Niel van der Vyfer for his 12th win out of 12 and Husqvarna-mounted Anthony Raynard, who had a stand out day with 3 holeshots and overall podiums in both MX1 & MX2. 

“Now for the finals next month at home in Gauteng — that’s going to be quite a weekend!”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Husqvarna Motocross

What:SA National Motocross Championship Round 6 Report
Where:Harrismith, Free State
When:2 September 2017
Community:

For further information please contact fred@husqvarna-motorcycles.co.za

Click on thumbnails to Download images