MotoKids Junior Motocross

The West Rand is bursting with talent and the MotoKids Development Programme is on the hunt for the next Jeff Ward, the legendary motocross rider.

The programme is helping underprivileged children by providing a safe environment to learn the sport. Earlier this year, the opening round of the programme was held at the NutBush offroad track in Hekpoort. The programme is aimed at youngsters between the ages of four and 10 years who have no racing experience. It is an introduction into junior motocross development.

The riders’ first event was the Enduro, in which six-year-old Oratilwe Phiri and seven-year-old Katlego Makhene competed. The riders had a tough day as it was the very first off-road event they had entered – and this after just two hours of training.

The two young riders finished their races on the podium. Oratilwe finished in third position in the Junior Peewee Class, while Katlego finished in second place in the Senior Peewee Class. The riders then rode their first ever Junior Motocross race. The track was technical and muddy in places, and caught out many a rider.

Oratilwe crashed several times, but still finished on the podium, in third place. The young rider’s attitude was positive despite all the challenges he faced. Katlego had a more consistent race with fewer crashes, except in his last heat where he received a ‘dnf’ (did not finish) because of a leg injury. He still scored a second place for the day. Coach Neil van der Ross was proud of his charges and said they learned and experienced the full spectrum of off-road racing.

“They excelled despite the very little preparation they had before the events. We are proud of their achievements. For the next event, we hope to have gained more experience with more training practice on other motocross tracks”.

The next races these young riders will be preparing for take place later this month. There are currently seven young riders training in the programme.

“None of this would be possible without our sponsors, Imperial Honda Westrand, MotorSport SA and MXSA, who support the riders. Paul and Helena from Honda have also blessed us with their efforts and we are grateful,”said Neil.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

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