Summarize

Kawasaki heads to this weekend’s South African National Cross Country Motorcycle Championship finale at Virginia Trails, KZN looking to pull something off that it would never have imagined at the start of its comeback season. There is every chance that the green machines can deliver their third national win on the trot and even better, maybe even bring a championship home too.

“We only came back at the beginning of this season, but here we are on the verge of a dream debut season three wins in a row,” Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Motul Racing team boss Iain Pepper explained. “It’s already a dream come true that Mike Pentecost won overall in Matat on his Franchise Company CIT Kawasaki debut, before backing that up with an OR1 1-2 ahead of d’Artagnan Lobjoit's Pepson Plastics Motul KX450X last time out. “Just imagine if we pull off the triple!

“So we are heading to Virginia Hills with all guns blazing. “Mike and Dart will be backed by Craig Alcock on a trio of KX450Xs in OR1, the ever improving Kyle Mackenzie is our Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Motul KX250X man in OR3 and Deon du Toit will be on another Franchise Co CIT KX450X in Seniors. “We also have a Senior surprise — four time SA champion and international motocross star Wyatt Avis makes his Cross Country debut on another Pepson Plastics Motul KX250X." 

OR1 championship leader Mike Pentecost has been sensational, winning both races since switching over to his franchise CIT Kawasaki midway through the season. “After being a privateer, the franchise Co Kawasaki Team shed new motivation upon me,” Mike confirmed. ”Just having the right backing has made such a difference and I definitely feel more at home and confident on my KX450X. "It's so fast and handles better than anything I have ridden before.

“Being in a championship fight really fuels my fire for Virginia Trails — I will give it my absolute all as I always do. “It would be absolutely amazing to bring home the championship home for Kawasaki and the Franchise Co team — we have put a huge effort into this — let’s do it!"

“We have had a fantastic season so far,” D’Artagnan Lobjoit admitted. “I go to Virginia Trails lying third in the OR1 championship chase and fourth overall. “I have put in a special effort, both on my splendid Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Motul KX450X, in the gym and in every other aspect. “Now I look forward to rewarding my incredible team for all the support — this has been such a special season!”

“I can’t wait for the national down in Virginia Trails,” Kyle Mackenzie explained. “We have worked hard on my Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Motul KX250X and the setup is feeling amazing on my bike. "I’m 100% ready to face the tough terrain! “My pace and results have been coming on as the season has progressed and I’m super excited to see what we can do in the finale — I am counting the sleeps!"

“I’m so looking forward to racing the last round of the South African National Cross Country Championship,” Senior star Deon du Toit accounted. “KZN always makes for great riding with its varied and scenic terrain. “I know it’s going to be a good day out with the backing of the CIT Franchise Co race team and our excellent pit crew, so bring it on!” 

"I've been chatting with Iain about doing an off road race for about 3 years and just have not put it together,” Wyatt Avis pointed out. “Then Iain basically told me no more excuses and that I can use his bike since he is injured, and I don't live far from the venue. “So I'm actually super excited to have some fun and race. “I love doing these different types of events and I think it's going to be a super weekend with Iain and the whole Pepson Plastics Motul Kawasaki team — can’t wait!” 

“At the end of the day, we have already achieved far more than we ever expected to, so to be able to come back from Virginia Trails with good results will be awesome.” Iain Pepper concluded. “But there’s now every chance we can do that with another win and even a championship, so no pressure guys, let’s do this!”