Summarize

UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Racing with Tork Craft and Dunlop Tyres overcame Saturday’s tough and testing 2024 Trademore South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship opening round to come home with a class win and a few more notable results.

“The Scottburgh Rocky Bay Rodeo on the KZN South Coast proved a tough challenge over the weekend, but Louwrens Mahoney still won in Seniors,” UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Racing team boss Harry Grobler confirmed. “Murray Smith was second on his High School 125 debut, while Mike Pentecost dusted himself off after a crash to come home fourth in OR1.

“Our youngest star Ruald Potgieter was sixth on his first time out in 85 Seniors, but our  

OR 3 riders battled on a hard day in the saddle. Blake Young was an impressive eighth on his 250 debut, Tyron Beverley ninth, and Erick Merry 12th on their Honda CRF 250 RXs. KZN has always been tough and the Rodeo was no exception. But we made a positive start to the season and can now look forward to some races more in line with our riders’ strengths.”

“What a great way to start our National season,” Louwrens Mahoney reported. “Scottburgh was super-tough, but all that hard work since I made my racing comeback last year has paid off, my UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda was on point, and my team awesome in support. Huge thanks to Harry for his belief in me and to the team for the huge effort as always!”

“I really enjoyed my step up to High School 125s,” South African 85 cc Senior champion Murray Smith admitted. “I took my time to settle in, before pushing a bit, so I am delighted to start off with a strong podium second on my first run on the bigger bike. I must thank Uncle Harry, my dad, and my team for having my back, but best of all we have a great result to build on!”

“It’s a pity, because my UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda CRF 450 RX was running like the Red Rocket it is and I was having a great run until I had a big crash on the final lap,” Mike Pentecost owned up. “I picked it up but had to contend with no rear brakes on the run home from there, so I’m pretty happy to have picked up fourth in OR1 and fifth overall, so a good haul after all. Thanks to Harry and the team, now to push next time!”

UB Leisure TFC Sleepover Honda Racing with Tork Craft and Dunlop now prepares for the first of two Gauteng home outings at the 13 April Trademore South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship Elim Farm second round.