MX nationals thrill at Dirt Bronco

Round 5 of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals descended upon Dirt Bronco.

August 3, 2015

Sonwabile Antonie 2 minutes read

E-CAR's Jaydon Bressler.
Photos: Sonwabile Antonie

West Rand racing fanatics were spoiled rotten as participants on Round 5 of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals descended upon Dirt Bronco just outside Krugersdorp on your way to Randfontein.

The muddy dirt tracks due to the rain made for some exciting racing on the day.

From the MX 50cc riders ranging from four to nine years old who were just beginning in the sport to the professional riders in the MX 1 category with bigger and faster bikes, there were thrilling races galore.

The West Rand was not too short on riders representing the region as three outstanding racers took their starting positions this weekend.

With just six female riders, it proves how few women participants are in the world of racing. However, Amy Sawyer has been breaking down barriers in the sport to prove that women can become competitive.

Amy hails from Krugersdorp has been making a name for herself in motocross just five years after she started competing. The 17-year-old Sawyer Group Kawasaki rider recently dropped out of the women’s category when she was ranked third in the standings to race with the boys in the support class.

“My father used to be a bike racer and that is where is got my passion from. I love the excitement and adrenaline rush of racing,” she said.

Seven-year-old Jaydon Bressler from Albertsville was excited as he participated in his first national race, finishing in 13th position out of 20 riders in the MX 50cc category.

He is currently placed third in the regional 50cc support class.

The E-CAR rider started racing in March this year and said he was happy about being part of such a big competition.

“I love the big jumps and going as fast as possible in the straights,” he said.

His mom Carien said racing for Jaydon started when she wanted the children to stop playing on computers and iPads.

Amy was the first woman in South Africa to clear the 7th Heaven Jump in Bloemfontein last year and is planning to cross over to the FMX freestyle this year.

Kyle Barthis from Syringa in Muldersdrift was another West Rand rider who participated in the nationals. The Henderson Racing driver competes in the MX Support class and started racing at the age of 10. Now at 15 Kyle said he wants to race professionally in even bigger competitions to become a world famous racer.