14 Jul 2015

Lobelo Racing Club (LRC) of Francistown over the weekend hosted a successful third leg of the Botswana Motor Sport (BMS) championship at the Dumela Track.

The track which has now become the go to venue for motocross competitions was teeming with spectators who had thronged the event in large numbers to experience one of the city’s spectacular outdoor sporting activities.

One thing that makes the Dumela Track special is that apart from being challenging for motocross riders, it is imbued with spectacular spectator viewing posts which allow them to move from one position to the other without distracting the riders and at no risk.

The track has enough space which allows it room to offer riders a series of obstacles such as jumps, which are a favourite with MX fans. Also, it possesses some natural sloppy portions and ditches which make the terrain rough and challenging.

Over the weekend LRC received thirty entries of which three were Zimbabwean and South African riders.

The points scored in this race counted towards the selection for the MX of African Nations to be held in Harare, Zimbabwe on August 28- 29.

BMS, after the weekend event will now start to look into putting the team together which will be announced soon.

LRC secretary, Lola Berrie explained that the standard of racing on the day was exceptional, with riders such as Ross Branch, Louw Schmidt and Dartgnan Lobjoit all of whom participated in the MSA National Championships.

Also, she stated that they had new riders in both the 50cc, 65cc and 85cc classes which showed that the sport was starting to take off and become quite popular in Botswana.

“The show of spectators also displays the great enthusiasm that motor sport is gaining,” she said. She also paid tribute to Francistown riders for their competitive spirit.

BMS FIM development officer, Col. Motlapele Majama had praise for the event noting that it has grown in leaps and bounds.

He mentioned that though motocross was new, it is already showing a huge potential. He also said that save for minor incidents; the race went well and said he was hopefull that the team which would represent the country in Zimbabwe would be equal to the task.

“Ross Branch will lead the team of riders,” he said. Four years from now, he expressed optimism that local riders would be able to compete with the best.

He, however, called for support from all stakeholders for the sport to keep growing.

Spectators, Wame Motsweng and Goitseone Sebego were all praise for the race’s organisers.

They explained that the event was good as it offered entertainment which is in short supply in the city. “I love the event because it allows families to come together and have a good time,” said Sebego in an interview.

The race which generated a lot of interest was in the MX1 class where the recent winner of the 1000km desert race in the bike category, Ross Branch emerged triumphant followed by Louw Schmidt. Kitso Malabo came third.

The riders kept spectators entertained with their airborne theatrics especially at the jumps something which was a hit with the fans throughout the day.

In the MX2 class, Louw Schmidt came first while Clayton Davis and Douglas Morris came second and third respectively.

In the 125 high school class, Douglas Morris emerged the winner followed by Joshua Potts.

The 85cc class was won by Brandon Rose followed by Patrick O’Connell and James Kleynhans in second and third respectively. Kosmos Mamaloukos came first in the 65cc while Daniel O’Connell came second.

The national 50cc was won by Amaan Parekh followed by Nathan Berrie in second and Aryan Parekh in third. Deegan Davis took the honours in the 50 Pee Wee followed by Tristan Berrie and Mathew Derrick in second and third respectively.

The next race will be held on August 15 and this will be off-road where riders go out into the bush, on a 40km loop, of which they do 4-5 laps. The rider who completes in the shortest amount of time will be crowned the winner. Ends