Terra Topia moto racer is terra tops

Local moto racer Miguel de Waal (14) is on the fast track to racing success, having turned the corner in his career after a bumpy start. He has now earned selection to the South African Motocross team.

The Broadacres resident who practises at Terra Topia Dirt Bike Club, Northern Farm, has only been racing competitively for two years but has the passion and commitment to go the distance.

Last year, he started competing in the South African National Motocross Championship and finished 10th after missing three races. This year he soared to fifth position in the championship so far, to earn selection for the MX lite class at the Africa Motocross of Nations in Botswana on 25 to 27 August.

“This is my passion. I want to be a professional racer one day,” said the youngster, who rides a KTM 85cc.

“I love riding, the thrill is amazing. I want to put the work in and make a living from it.” He added that his greatest opponents on the track are also his best friends off it.

De Waal’s first international event will see him compete against 11 countries for tops, as well as riders who enter individually. “It will be difficult in Botswana. We are probably the strongest team but Zimbabwe is also very good because they have spent time racing in America.”

Also read: Local boys in Inter-provincial Motocross 

Add the challenge of a new track in new conditions for De Waal, with only one practice session for each of the three races, and the youngster will have his work cut out for him

His goal is to finish top five in his class and according to step-dad and fellow moto racer, Dean Strydom, De Waal has what it takes. “Since he was four years old he wanted to race,” said Strydom.

“Instead of watching Barney on TV he watched motocross. Now he is able to race and he has the passion to race, which is half the battle.”

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