Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Michelin, Motul, Bikewise and Scottish Cables enjoyed another positive outing in the third round 2024 GXCC Gauteng Cross Country Motorcycle championship race at Bapsfontein on Saturday. D’artagnan Lobjoit came home fourth overall and in Open Class OR1 Pro, Pieter Holl won another Masters race, Wian Wentzel, second in OR3 and seventh overall backed by Ryan Angilley and Cameron Becker. Geoff Den also ended second in Veterans and Jake Pretorius second in OR4, and Jake Pretorius sixth in OR3 Pro Am.
“We had a pretty good run at Bapsfontein,” Pepson Plastics Kawasaki team principal Ian Pepper confirmed. “The guys added to their great start to the season, and we were a little luckier today. Well done to Pieter on yet another Masters victory, to Dart for a fine fifth overall and third Open bike home, our silver medal riders Wian, Geoff and Jake, Cameron and the rest. Lady luck was however not fully with us today, Jaycee Nienaber suffered a brake failure while running a strong third overall, but that’s racing!”
Pepson Plastics Kawasaki’s legend Pieter Holl remains unbeaten in Masters so far in 2024. “I had a great start and the track was fast but dusty, which made it difficult to ride fast and safe,” Pieter reports. “Warrick van Schalkwyk crept up on me and got past in the second lap, but the highlight of my race was catching and passing him again. My team was right on point and I’m sure that my refuelling must have been quicker than a Formula 1 stop! Thanks so much to Iain and the boys, it’s just great being part of this team.”
“Today was a blast aboard my Pepson Plastics Kawasaki KX 450 XC,” D’artagnan Lobjoit admitted. “It was also good to be back on top of it after being forced out by an injury last time out, but the bike was quick and agile and despite the dust, it was a great day in the saddle. I have to thank Iain and the entire Pepson Plastics team for all the effort and support, but I’m getting my eye back in now, so I am really looking forward to the next races!
“This was probably the dustiest race I have ever done,” Wian Wentzel explained. “To make it worse, I had a mediocre start but made a few important passes early on to put myself in a good position. It was a very smooth day from there, limiting the mistakes and ultimately fighting for the win aboard my little KX 250 X rocketship. The dust just made it difficult to pass safely, so I am very happy to finally put the pieces together and finish strong. And of course, a huge word of thanks to my great Pepson Plastics Kawasaki team!
“The lads did us proud out there again today,” Iain Pepper concluded. “Well done to our whole team, that was another great showing!” Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing with Michelin, Motul, Bikewise and Scottish Cables returns to GXCC Cross Country Racing following a short early season pause with a midwinter race on Saturday 8 June.
