07 Apr 2019

Favourite, Robert Pollock of Gaborone Motor Club (GMC) emerged victorious overall on April 7 during the second Botswana Motorsport (BMS) 200km off-road challenge hosted by Jwaneng Racing Club (JRC).

Pollock completed the 185km race in 2 hours 10 minutes, just four minutes ahead of Mike Wilkinson of Okavango Motor Club while Victor Du Toit of GMC clocked 2 hours and 19 minutes.

Pollock, who missed out on the first race of the BMS calendar at Lepokole, said he was compelled to do well to keep up on points and boost his position in the overall championship log.

“In the first race I was out injured so I did not take part and missed out on collecting points, so in this race I could not afford to put a foot wrong, although I was not yet fully fit as I haven’t trained well,” he said.

Pollock said the absence of some seasoned bikers meant that competition was not as tough as one would expect, but said that the four minute margin between him and second position indicated that he still had to work for his win.

Pollock also appreciated Team Jwaneng for organising a good race in a good terrain.

For his part, the public relations officer for JRC, who were the hosts, Motlotlegi Kgosietsile indicated that the event went well from the initial planning to the last day.

He, however, lamented the fact that they had a challenge of sponsorship, which he said they only managed to salvage in the last few days.

Kgosietsile appealed to sponsors to come forth in time to enable proper planning. 

He also noted that young riders were the most in need of sponsorship as they were unemployed.

“We have a couple of young riders who are really enthusiastic about motorsport, but because it is a bit expensive they cannot cope. So we would really appreciate if companies could come forth and help the youth in order to secure the future of motorsport in the country,” he said.

Kgosietsile said the cost of the sport had seen the participation of bikers dropping to about 60 per cent of the normal, citing long travel as some clubs came from as far as Maun.

The race attracted about 30 bikers, including quads and two-wheelers.

Meanwhile in the junior category, Seth Meyer of JRC got first position followed by Nathan Berrie of Muddy Face and Elang Chibana of GMC.

The next calendar race will be in two weeks time at Malotwane in Kgatleng. ENDS