GLENASHLEY’S Evan Frost is a rising star on the local Motocross circuit, and he recently proved his credentials by being crowned South African champion.
Evan, who turned 11 a week ago, won four of the six rounds across the country in the South African 65cc Motocross division.
His substantial points lead going into the final round ensured that his fourth overall for the day was more than enough to clinch the title.
A key aspect of his title charge this year has been the dogged determination on the dirt tracks across the country.
The Virginia Preparatory School learner has competed for four years on the SA circuit, this being his second year in the 65cc division.
“This year has given me so much hope for what my future holds. I was really excited with my results, and the experience this year is one I’ll never forget. My goals this year were to win the championship and to be selected to race for South Africa overseas. I feel the 2021 race season was also a boost to my confidence as I finished fifth overall in the standings to riders who were much older than me,” Evan said.
You could say the sport of Motocross runs in his family’s blood, dad Gavin competed on the SA circuit many years ago while older brother, Blake rides in the 85cc division.
Evan started riding at the age of three and his first bike was a PW50, which he inherited from his older brother, Blake.
His results after the first three rounds saw him being selected for the SA Junior Motocross team to race in Finland at the Junior World Champs.
Just three days before the event however, Evan badly injured his left foot at school.
While his spirit was crushed, the season had shown that injury could not keep a good rider down, and Evan competed in Finland.
“It was such an honour to represent my country at the junior world champs. It was my first time representing South Africa overseas and I really enjoyed the experience, especially meeting riders from other parts of the globe. I only missed qualifying for the final round by half a second which shows how close it was. Hopefully next year I will get another opportunity to shine,” he said.
Evan’s long-term goal is to ride in the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Motocross Championship (commercially known as Lucas Oil Pro Motocross).
“That would be a dream come true. The sport in the United States just seems to grow in popularity year by year and I would love to compete in the Pro division. One of the riders I look up to, Jett Lawrence from Australia, competes there and I would love to emulate him by winning the AMA Pro one day,” he said.
Evan does most of his training at three tracks, Hammersdale, Ballito and PMB and cites the support from his parents and older brother as factors in his growth in the sport.
“My dad and mom are always encouraging me to do my best and they believe in me which is a huge boost of confidence. Before every event, my dad and I have a focus session on the start line to envision the outcome of the race. My mom is always shouting encouragement from the side of the track and is the calming factor in the pits; I’ve also learned from my brother and his insight has been invaluable,” he said.
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