DO IT NOW Magazine article 13-08-12
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www.doitnow.co.za • 1
inGEAR: Words & Photos by Zygmund Brodalka
Full ThrottleMX NationalsRound 4 Teza - the battle for supremacy continues
Round 4 of the Full Throttle and Portable Shade Motocross Nationals
commenced at Teza, just 35 km outside of Richards Bay on 30 June.
Now Teza is Sappi territory, and as you enter the grounds you are surrounded by row upon row of trees and
then all of a sudden it opens up and the view that greets you is one of this beautiful valley and an awesome,
hilly, European-style MX track. With the temperature at a balmy 25 degrees, and sunshine forecast for the
weekend, I just knew that we were in for some epic racing.
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Race day got off to an early start to make sure that all the heats
were completed before the sun bid us farewell at around 5 p.m. And
despite the distance to get to this venue, there were still 125 of SA's
top riders ready to do battle on this fast, fifth gear track.
The 50cc class saw Justin Sangster, the current championship leader, secure himself an even bigger
lead when he won both Motos. However, these wins were hard come by, with Camden McClellan never
far behind and always threatening. Camden claimed a comfortable second overall, with Jonathan Mlini in
third overall. One of the most improved riders in this class was Ethan Coleman and the proof was in his
fourth overall position for the day. After the race at Teza, Justin attended the European Championships
and put on another brilliant performance to come in the top 10! Way to go Justin.
In the 65cc class, the current championship leader Slade Smith had to miss this round due to a serious
injury picked up during a training session. This meant that the doors were wide open for the two local
KZN boys, Cayle Dormehl and Cameron Durow. The only rider that stood in their way was Dalton Venter,
who was lying third on the leader board. Dalton is a all or nothing kind of rider, but this time his no-
holds-barred style resulted in him making several mistakes, which left him in fourth position in the first
Moto. During the second Moto, Dalton managed to keep it on two wheels to finish in second place, and
third overall. The overall winner of the day was Cayle, while his home town buddy Cam clinched second
overall. In fourth position overall was Grant Hutton, but he can look forward to a home town advantage
in the last two rounds, with one in East London and the grand final in Port Elizabeth.
The 85 cc junior class has been an interesting one this year, with the early leader, Justin Thompson,
doing really well at the start of the season, but falling back to finish third overall. Marcus Phelps, who is
just back from competing successfully in the UK, took the overall top podium position after a tough battle
against rising star Janes van Sandwyk, who won the first Moto. Matthew Kruger had a solid performance
to claim fourth overall, and he also took both hole shots.
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In the Pro Mini class it was PS Honda
teammates Dirco van der Westhuizen and
Tristan Purdon who went head to head for top
honours. The first Moto saw them constantly
swopping places, but in the end it was Tristan
who managed to hold on and cross the line
ahead. In the second Moto, Dirco took the lead
after a great start, but Tristan soon closed the
gap, only to give it away after sliding out on a
burn on the second last lap, and with that his
hopes of another win. The overall winner was
Dirco, Tristan in second and in third was Jaydon
Proctor, who did exceptionally well considering
that he is a new comer to the national circuit
and it was his first national event.
The 125cc High School class has been one
of the best races to watch because it’s an open
affair where any one of six riders could win it.
Justin Mittins, who cleaned up in Cape Town,
could only muster up a sixth overall for the day.
The overall win went to Zane Farquharson, who
had just arrived home from several months of
racing in Europe. But Zane didn't have it all
his own way, with Maddy Malan walking away
with a win in the second Moto, despite a bad
crash in practice. Championship leader Jesse
Wright threw away a chance to take the lead
when his back wheel slid out and he shot of the
track and hit a spectator. He still came in third
overall, and enduro star Travis Teasedale took
fourth overall and made it clear that he remains
a force to be reckoned with.
MX 2 riders gave it their all in a bid to win an all-
expenses-paid holiday in Europe or Thailand,
courtesy of Contiki Tours and generously
sponsored by Northside Electrical. Richard
van der Westhuizen was leading up until he
experienced mechanical failure on the last lap,
which left him with only three points for the
first Moto. This opened up the championship
for Kerim Fitz-Gerald, Wyatt Avis and Anthony
Raynard, who were not going to let this
opportunity pass and saw them finishing first,
second and third overall respectively. Grant
Frerichs showed great form and pace to finish
fourth overall for the day.
It was a small field of seasoned rides who
took part in the MX3 class, aka the Veterans
and Masters class, but there was nothing timid
about the racing. It was a battle royale between
Roger Dean Bergstrom and Wayne Smith, who
managed to take each other out in the whoops.
Down but not out, they both still managed to
finish the race in style. Come day's end it was
Wayne who clinched the overall win, with Ian
Topliss in second overall and Roger finishing
third overall. In the Vets class, Ian
Topliss took the top podium
spot overall, followed by
Geoff Den in second overall
and James van Staden, who
has only just returned to MX,
taking third overall.
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Last but not least was the MX1 class, which saw Michael
Kok sporting his new green racing colours as part of the Fast
Wetherd Kawasaki team. Michael won the second Moto of the
day, giving him the excuse to perform his infamous 'sprinkler'
move , and sees him moving up the leader board into second.
Richard van der Westhuizen opened up his points lead by taking
the top slot for the day, while Wyatt Avis put on his best MX1
performance of the session to finish third overall.
This was definitely one of the best nationals I have attended
and it was well worth the travel. Thanks to the sponsors; the
Brodalkas and Colin Sunkel Photography, for their support and
making this event such a success. Round 5 in East London
took place on 11 August and as anticipated, it
was another epic affair. But I tell you more about
that later ...
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