Summarize

UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Racing with Tork Craft and Dunlop Tyres is all set and ready to rumble in the opening round of the 2024 Trademore South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship at the Rocky Bay Rodeo in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast on Saturday 9 March. Following a successful 2023 foray, the team aims at even bigger and better things this year.

Topping the UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Racing entry list are its two open class 450cc OR1 riders. Mike Pentecost is no stranger to the top of the OR1 and overall Cross Country podium and he’s determined to make a strong impression from the outset this weekend. Pentecost plans to pick up where he left off last year with an overall win aboard his Red Rocket Honda CRF 450 RX.

Mike will be backed by the ever improving Hayden Louw, who started his 2024 season on the front foot with a podium third in the opening GXCC Gauteng regional a few weeks back. Hayden is looking to keep that momentum going into the Nationals aboard the second OR1 UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda CRF 450 RX at Scottburgh this weekend. 

UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Racing has a three-bike team entered in 250cc OR3. A close second in last year’s OR3 chase, Erick Merry dons UB Leisure TFC Sleepover livery aboard his CRF 250 RX this weekend, alongside 2023 fifth man Tyron Beverley, who also enjoyed a great start with a fine second in class in that GXCC opener.

Perhaps the most exciting prospect of the three OR3 Red Rockets, Blake Young steps up to 250s from the High School class where he wound up second overall last hear. Talking High School, UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Racing’s 85cc champion Murray Smith steps up this year and his progress in the teenage class will be watched with much interest. Ruald Potgieter takes Murray’s place in the 85cc class for 2024.

Last but not least, the old men of the UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Racing team. Over-30 Senior rider Louwrens Mahoney made a spectacular racing comeback during 2023, securing a come from behind championship second with a final round class win and he’s determined to pick up where he left off too. Super-fast Over-40s Masters rider Warrick van Schalkwyk returns to the saddle after sitting out most of 2023 with injury.

“UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Racing with Tork Craft and Dunlop Tyres is locked, loaded and ready to race in the 2024 Trademore South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship starting in Scottburgh this weekend,” team boss Harry Grobler wrapped it up. “We had a great run last year, so the aim is to do even better in 2024. Bring it on!”