The Northwest Kalahari is not supposed to be a cold place, but unseasonably chilly conditions did not prevent Kawasaki Racing from scoring a couple of wins and a number of podiums in the second round Trademore South African Cross Country race in the Northwest Province over the weekend.
Topping the successes, King Kenny Gilbert remains unbeaten in 2022 as he once again dominated the Seniors aboard his Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki KX 450 X en route to ninth overall. Warrick van Schalkwyk made it a Kawasaki double victory in Masters aboard his Franchise Co. CIT KX 450 X. Fifth overall, Michael Pentecost meanwhile consolidated his open class OR1 championship advantage with second in OR1 on his Franchise Co. CIT Kawasaki KX 450 X.
Jaycee Nienaber made it three Kawasakis in the overall top ten and two green machines in the OR1 top three on his wildcard appearance on a Spherical Bearings KX 450 X. And on the other side of the age scale to Gilbert and van Schalkwyk, young Jake Pretorius rode his Pepson Motul Kawasaki to third in the baby 65s. Taki Bogiages’ Pepson Motul Kawasaki KX 250X ended fourth in OR3, while John Botha’s similar Franchise Co. CIT Kawasaki ended sixth in the quarter-litre class.
Kenny Gilbert was in crushing form as he dominated Seniors on his Kawasaki to ninth overall. “It was a cold and rainy weekend!” Kenny reported “I really enjoy Vryburg’s terrain. “It was 100% sand and the track was very safe and loads of fun, even though it became very rough and demanding to keep the pace high. “A huge thanks to Pepson Plastics Kawasaki for its efforts, sponsorship and passion for our sport, and to the organisers for another amazing event.”
Michael Pentecost was also happy with his result on a difficult day in the desert. “That was a great race “I had so much fun out there and another consistent ride to second in class and fifth overall, so I’m happy with that,” Mike admitted. “My team was on point, but our opposition outsmarted us by running sand tires, which gave them a little pace advantage that I just couldn’t match. “So well done to them and the organisers for a super fun track and a great weekend all round.”
Taki Bogiages was satisfied with his performance aboard his Pepson Plastics Motul Kawasaki KX 250X. “I ended fourth in the 250cc OR3 class yesterday, that was a solid one. “It was extremely cold, but the track was awesome and the racing was really good, but best of all I felt really good out there and my bike was absolutely awesome. “Thanks to the team for everything they do and to the organisers for a great event.”
“Two wins, five podiums and great progress in the various championships, we’ll take that!” Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Kawasaki Motul team boss Iain Pepper concluded. “Well done to our riders and the whole team on another great job.” Franchise Co. CIT team principal Harry Grobler added, “Now we head to Carletonville on 9 July, and that’s another round that should favour our team. “Bring it on!”
