Four decades of wins
LANSERIA – Ryan Hunt speaks about his spectacular career in motocross.
Motocross enthusiast Ryan Hunt (46) has been a motocross racer for almost four decades and has no plans to stop anytime soon. Through perseverance and hard work his ability has taken him on many travels around the world.
Recently, the Lanseria resident flew the South African flag high when he was placed fifth in the 2016 International World Vets Race at the Glen Helen Raceway in California, USA. After the championships, he clinched the South African National MX title for the 12th time.
“I started racing 36 years ago when my best friend and I got bikes. But to keep my bike, my parents insisted that I keep my school marks up,” Hunt said. He described his first bike as a green Kawasaki 80cc motocross scrambler.
He explained that when he passed matric he told his parents he wanted to pursue a career in motocross and went to London where he honed his skill as a racer. For four years Hunt raced in world championships and the British championships after finding a sponsor to back him in the early 90s. He explained that he enjoyed motocross as the sport is different from motorcycle racing as there were more jumps and stunts.
Eventually, Hunt moved back to South Africa and continued riding. He seriously injured himself after falling off at the start of a race and another rider rode over him causing internal injuries. Hunt then underwent an eight-hour operation to repair his stomach.
“In 2002 I hung up my boots after breaking both my wrists but later on I just wanted to see if I would be able to win a championship after riding for nearly four decades,” he said. The father of two noted that motocross was his passion and that with the support of his family he enjoyed racing to the fullest.
He cautioned bikers to always wear safety gear. “You can’t buy new fingers and arms so the best thing is to always be safe and wear as much safety gear as one can afford,” he said.
When Hunt is not at work or on the track he spends time with his family and coaches his son, Reece (10) in the sport.
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