What Trademore Feeds SA Cross Country Round 2 Preview
Where Jolivet, KZN
When Saturday 15 April 2023
Community South Africa National
Pepson Plastics Kawasaki chasing more success in KZN
Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Factory Kawasaki Racing fully intends to build upon its winning start to the 2023 Trademore South African Cross Country Racing championship down in Jolivet on the KZN South Coast Saturday 15 April.
“We are looking forward to go down to the Coles’ Farm at Jolivet for round 2 with two red championship leaders’ number plates on our bikes,” Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Factory Kawasaki Racing team boss Iain Pepper confirmed. “Wian Wentzel will arrive there leading 250cc OR3, and Pieter Holl heads the Masters class. We have every intention of keeping those plates.
“King Kenny Gilbert is also back after missing round 1 and ready to challenge for the Senior podium while Lee Thompson makes a welcome Seniors return too. Ryan Angilley is ready for another big learning curve in his second ever Cross Country race in OR3, while Brian Bontekoning will be back in the Masters class. We have no doubt that both riders will be up to the challenge.
“Unfortunately Taki Bogiages is still out injured and we have withdrawn Jaycee Nienaber to allow him to better recover from a previous injury. We believe his future personal health is more important than any championship.”
“The second round of the National Cross Country series is around the corner and I’m very excited to go racing,” Wian Wentzel confirmed. “Putting some time and effort in to train on that terrain has definitely boosted my confidence to get a good result. “My Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Factory Kawasaki KX 250 X is set up perfectly, I am fit, strong and feeling phenomenal and I’m sure we will be able to fight for the win!”
“I’m excited to race at Jolivet and also a little nervous as it’s my first time there,” Pieter Holl pointed out. “But I love the KZN terrain and I cannot wait to fly through the cane fields on my Pepson Plastics Kawasaki! Winning the first National set the bar high and I can’t underestimate the competition, so I hope for the best. I race for fun but I’m competitive, so I hope I have the pace to win again for this awesome team that makes my racing possible.
The Senior class has become even more competitive since his last race at the end of last year, but that does not faze Kenny Gilbert. “I’m looking forward to swinging my leg over a motorbike again,” Kenny confirmed. “KZN always puts on an awesome race, so we’re in for a treat, but it’s always very demanding on man and machine down there. I’m feeling great, my Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Factory Kawasaki KX 450 X is ready, let’s do this!”
“I’m really looking forward to the new technical challenge of racing in KZN,” former five-time SA motocross champion Ryan Angilley explained. “Now I know what it’s like to ride for 5 hours and do the distance in Cross Country. I haven’t ridden at all since round 1 after hurting my elbow, but I’m more familiar with my Pepson Plastics Kawasaki. I aim to stay on the bike, maintain good pace and deliver a better result with a top five finish.”
*Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki Factory Racing salutes Gilberts Mining & Engineering, the Reinhardt Transport Group, Michelin, Arai, Bikewise, Acerbis and Renthal handlebars for their support.
Issued on behalf of Kawasaki Cross Country
Photography by: Action in Motion
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