Summarize

Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Michelin, Motul and Scottish Cables heads into the 2024 Cross Country Motorcycle season looking for even more titles since the green machines returned to the sport in 2021. It’s all systems go as the team prepares to get its  fourth racing season off in style at the opening GXCC Gauteng championship at Lekoa Lodge in the Free State, Saturday 10 February.

“We have a crack Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Michelin, Motul and Scottish Cables team ready to race at the opening round GXCC race at Lekoa Lodge on Sunday,” team boss Iain Pepper confirmed. “Our two 2023 champions, Jaycee Nienaber and Pieter Holl are out for more of the same and the rest of the lads are just as ready to go for gold in the various classes.”

Jaycee Nienaber will be out to defend the open class 450 cc OR1 class and he aims to do so with more overall wins aboard his Pepson Plastics Kawasaki KX 450 X. “I am very excited for the season to start with the Pepson Plastics Kawasaki team,” Jaycee admitted. “I am fit, my Kawasaki KX 450 X is prepared and ready to take on this weekend’s GXCC at Lekoa Lodge!” Nienaber will be supported by Taki Bogiages, Wade Den and when he is available, Dart Lobjoit who returns to the saddle to do some guest rides in the top class. 

Wian Wentzel will be going for gold in 250cc OR3 aboard his Pepson Plastics Kawasaki KX 250 X. “I’m super excited for the upcoming season of racing!” Wian owned up. “I had a shoulder operation during the off season and have worked hard to be back at full fitness and race pace and so grateful for another season with Pepson plastics. So a big thanks to oom Iain Pepper for believing in me! Let’s get this thing going.” Wentzel will be supported by former motocross star Ryan Angilie in OR3, while Cameron Becker will also ride some guest races in that class aboard a Pepson Plastics Kawasaki.

Pieter Holl will be out to defend his Masters title for Pepson Plastics Kawasaki. “It’d be great to be starting a new season, so I’m really looking forward to the first GXCC race at Villiers this weekend,” Pieter confirmed. “I may be the reigning champion, but it all starts all over again, but I am ready and looking forward to racing all my old rivals again this year.” Holl will be backed up by fellow Masters riders Geoff Den and team boss Iain Pepper once he has  returned to race fitness. 

Pepson Plastics Kawasaki’s Senior cross country team comprises Lee Thompson and 2022 champion Kenny Gilbert when his Ford Dakar car commitments allow him to ride. Jayden Boyce will race in OR3 Pro Am, while young Jake Pretorius steps up to OR4. He rides a Pepson Plastics Kawasaki KX 250 X as part of the team’s two-year plan to prepare him for OR3, while Clayton and Dylan Human will race in green in Junior 85cc.

“Pepson Plastics Factory Kawasaki Racing salutes our loyal sponsors Michelin, Motul, Scottish Cables, Bikewise, and Arai, who continue with us for another year,” Iain Pepper concluded. “Our program will concentrate on the GXCC championship for now. Our plans to race in the MSA National Cross Country Motorcycle Championship will remain on hold until we are confident that the championship can run to the same white book rules for all competitors.”