DO IT NOW Magazine article 29-05-12
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Transcript of DO IT NOW Magazine article 29-05-12
South Africa has produced a number of motocross stars
that have made a name for themselves on the international
circuit through the years. More recently, a few of the
names that come to mind are Tyla Ratray, Grant Langston,
Anthony Raynard, Caleb Tennant and Gareth Swanepoel.
www.doitnow.co.za | Lifestyle • 1
inACTION: Words & Photos by Zygmund Brodalka
SA dream team
- rising stars
Kerim Fritz-Gerald
2 • DO IT NOW Magazine June | July 2012
Today there are three new young guns that are establishing
a reputation for themselves both locally and abroad, and
they are Justin Sangster (KTM 50cc), Calvin Vlaanderen
(KTM 125cc) and Kerim Fritz-Gerald (on his KTM in MX 1
and MX 2).
Justin Sangster is the youngest at just nine years old. He
hails from Cape Town's CTMX Motocross Club and has
only been racing motocross for four years. His introduction
to the sport was through friends of his parents, who were
looking for something for their sons to do recreationally.
There's no doubt that Justin is a star in the making and the
proof is in his performances and ranking. He is currently
leading the point standings in the South African Full Throttle
National Championship in the 50cc Class on his #4 KTM.
Furthermore, Justin has been invited to race at the Junior
World Championship in Holland at Bokol this year. Being
invited means that he automatically qualifies and will race
in the main event. This is a great honour and an opportunity
not afforded to many. He will be racing in the 65cc B Class
because he is new comer. The A Class is for the pro riders,
but I’m sure it won't be long before Justin is chomping at
the heels of the pros. What makes Justin stand out is that
he is a solid, calculated rider with good gate pickings. His
climb to the number-one spot has not been an easy one
and he has had to battle it out against strong competition
throughout the season.
Also in the spotlight is Calvin Vlaanderen, and it’s been a
while since we've seen a rider from the Western Cape take
on the big, wide world. The last champion from Cape Town
was Paul Cooper, a five-time British Motocross Champion.
Calvin, a 15 year old from CTMX, has been flying the SA
flag high and we can all be very proud of his achievements.
Calvin left our shores after the first round of the Full
Throttle Nationals at Sun City to race in Holland, under the
auspices of Bobo Schmidt. The esteemed Schmidt noticed
him last year at the Junior World Championship in Italy,
where he had an awesome ride and came 10th overall.
When you consider that he didn't have much international
experience, nor of the European tracks, this was a fantastic
achievement. Calvin is currently racing in the ONK Dutch
Championships and has competed in two of the four races
to date. In the first race in Halle, he surprised everybody
with a win in Moto 1 and Moto 2. He missed the next race
and had to sit out the third race due to back problems. In
the fourth race Calvin clocked the fourth fastest qualifying
time on his 125cc KTM. As the only South African, he was
just 0.6 seconds slower than the pole position holder,
with two riders in between. What a race that must have
been! Claiming two second place finishes, Calvin came in
second overall on the day. With two races under his belt
thus far, he has done incredibly well to hoist himself into
ninth position on the championship standings. The future
is bright for this reserved but pleasant young man, and in
time I am certain that Calvin has the potential to bring us
home a title.
Last but not least is 25-year-old Kerim Fritz-Gerald from
Johannesburg, one of our most talented riders in MX1
and MX2. Having raced in Canada for a year, he has put
his international experience to good use upon returning
to South Africa and is leading the MX2 Class and the
reigning champion. Kerim is also currently racing in the
States, in the AMA outdoor season, but came back for the
Full Throttle Nationals held in Cape Town in April, before
jetting back to the USA. Says Kerim, "Racing in the AMA
Motocross Outdoor Championship is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity and I'll give it my best. It will be a different ball
game racing against those yanks." Kerim will be racing in
the MX2 and MX Lites Class (in SA we call this MX1) and
is going into this with an open mind. He would love to
learn more from his local heroes, Tyla and Swani, who are
also racing in the States. Giz or Kermie, as he is otherwise
known, has got what it takes to go all the way.
Justin, Calvin and Kerim, your time has
come! With your unmistakable style,
stamina and determination I am confident
that you will follow in the footsteps of
our other South African greats and
make us all proud. •
Kerim Fritz-Gerald leading in Bloemfontein
www.doitnow.co.za | Lifestyle • 3
Justin Sangster up the step up
Justin Sangsteron his 65cc
Calvin VlaanderenMr Brodalka
Calvin over the tunnel jump