While there may be many stories floating around about the state of the motorcycle industry in South Africa, that hasn’t prevented local importers from committing time, effort and money to supporting local motorcycle sport, particularly in the Cross Country off-road and MX fields.
Yamaha South Africa is particularly active in these fields and two notable beneficiaries are the Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha Team and Out of Africa Monster Energy Yamaha, competing in Cross Country and MX racing respectively.
Harry Grobler is the team principal for the Everest Wealth Ridgeway Yamaha team and, after many years competing on Honda machinery, he was bullish about the prospects for the season ahead.
“After a couple of years riding in red, we were keen on a change and Yamaha was looking for a way back into both National Cross Country Racing. We’d like to thank Honda for two great seasons together, but the Everest Wealth Ridgeway Yamaha is now ready to race. All that’s left, on behalf of the entire team, is to thank Yamaha for the tremendous effort it has put in to get back into Cross Country as we look forward to a really true blue season ahead.
The feeling is obviously mutual, as Yamaha spokesperson Adrian Bac had this to say; ‘Yamaha Motor South Africa is most excited about our new partnership with the Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha Team. We couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead together in a dynamic new force in both off-road racing and Motocross as the Blu Cru prepares to compete across several championships. We know that there are great results on the horizon.’
The team has an extensive and strong line-up of riders, all of whom are ready to race at the season opener at Bronkhorstspruit towards the end of February. Maddy Malan and Hayden Louw lead the attack for the team, riding factory OR 1 Yamaha YZ450 FXs, ably backed by Tyron Beverley and Bryce Peterson riding OR 3 Yamaha YZ250 FXs.
Gerhard Vorster will ride in the Seniors and Warrick van Schalkwyk will ride in the Masters class, both on YZ450 FXs. In the 125cc High School class, Murray Smith and Tyler Peterson will do battle, while Ruald Potgieter will race 85cc Seniors and Ryan Wichmann is in the 65cc class.
Displaying no less effort or ambition and a similarly impressive line-up of talent, is the Out Of Africa Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Team, racing in the MX class events. After a strong 2024 season, the team’s 2025 line-up is an intriguing mix of seasoned riders and emerging talent.
Jayden Proctor will be competing in both MX1 and MX2, bringing versatility and championship experience to the team. Mark Carty, will also be tackling MX1 and MX2, showcasing his consistent drive and relentless competitiveness. Garrick Henley, representing the team in MX2, will be eager to make his mark in one of the toughest classes. Aiden Henley, stepping into the MX High School class, promises to continue his rise through the ranks, and Thor Johnson, also racing in MX High School, will bring fierce dedication and determination to the team.
With such strength in depth of talent, the Out Of Africa Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Team will be a tough proposition for rival manufacturers to beat and the on-track action is certain to be fiercely competitive. It looks as if 2025 is going to be a vintage year for the South African MX scene.
You can follow both teams on their social media pages and, of course, at the venues for the races. Any effort made to get to the events will be richly rewarded by watching some of SA’s brightest new hopefuls as well as seasoned veterans challenging for championship honours.
For more information visit: Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha Team – Out of Africa Monster Energy Yamaha.
