Local young motocross rider qualifies and reaches personal best in Polokwane
Ethan de Freitas takes part in SA Short Circuit Series Round 4 at Polokwane Raceway and comes in second overall.
Young Ethan de Freitas had a race weekend that was filled with lots of excitement and surprises.
According to his father, Mario, practice on June 23 was challenging.
“He had two rear tyre punctures at high speed and two crashes! But that wouldn’t stop him from having fun!” he added.
• Also read: Ethan certainly has his head in the game!
Ethan, racing as #26, qualified for the first position with his personal best time ever of 0.51:18 seconds at Polokwane Raceway.
During heat one, Ethan’s start was so slow due to his motorcycle’s clutch malfunctioning. He was second last into the main straight chicane and then had to fight his way through the field of riders. He passed two riders into corner one which put him in third place for the next two laps. He then managed to pass rider #22, Blake and started his chase for rider #1, Keaton, who was running away in the first position.
• Also read: Ethan puts the pedal to the medal and wins first place overall!
“He raced so hard pushing his limits to the edge while gaining on Keaton every lap. He eventually caught up and made a daring clean pass into a right corner on the last lap forcing Keaton to sit up and go wide onto the grass. Ethan raced hard until he took the victory checkered flag in the first place,” exclaimed Mario, adding that he also managed to beat his personal lap time on lap four with his new best time of 0.50:15 seconds.
• Also read: Grade 2 learner takes second place in the SASCS’ first round
Heat two and heat three started the same way, with Ethan struggling to get off the line and then chasing his way through the field.
“Ethan’s bike just didn’t have the pace out of the corners to catch Keaton. Ethan managed to take the checkered flag in second place in both heats awarding him a second-place finish overall for the day and earning another 65 valuable points in the SM50 Class Championship,” added Mario.
Ethan’s next SA Short Circuit Series Round 5 race will take place at Vereeniging Kart Circuit on July 29.
