Moto racer ventures forth
RANDPARK RIDGE – Justin Thompson travels to the USA to race for six months.
Justin Thompson (15) will again race in the United States of America (USA) to hone his motor racing skills.
The pupil at Trinityhouse High School Randpark Ridge was listed in the 2015 TLB Monster Energy Yamaha motocross team, which was launched at Terra Topia, Diepsloot, on 23 January.
But he will spend the next six months racing in the USA’s Super Mini 1 and 2, only to return to South Africa for the 125cc category.
“I am pretty excited,” he said. “I have gained more experience since last time and will bring my absolute best.”
Thompson’s goals are to finish in the top five in his age group at Loretta Lynn’s, and win a few races at Mammoth.
Last year Thompson came 29th in Loretta Lynn’s, but was not entirely happy with his result.
“The first time I saw him [Thompson] I thought he was the most naturally talented rider I had seen in a while,” said the TLB team manager Laren van der Westhuizen.
“He has natural finesse on the bike. It is the sign of a superstar in the making.”
Van der Westhuizen added that the ups and downs Thompson has been through helped build his character. Thompson’s mom Debra said that she is proud of her son and he has “grown tremendously. It is his passion and he has put in the effort,” she said.
This will be Thompson’s fifth year in the TLB team. He will do home schooling while overseas. Last year Thompson won his second World of Motorsport ZA (Womza) National Championship title.
Details: Trinityhouse High School Randpark Ridge mail@trinityhouse.co.za, 011 794 4799.
