Wentzel, Holl win at SA Cross Country National
Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Factory Kawasaki Racing enjoyed a winning start to its 2023 Trademore South African Cross Country Racing campaign. Wian Wentzel took a the 250cc OR3 victory on his class debut, while teammate Pieter Holl won the Masters’ class.
The team also starred across the board, as Cross Country debutant Ryan Angilley was an impressive fourth in OR3, Jaycee Nienaber a strong fifth in OR1 and Brian Bontekoning seventh in Masters after a promising start. In the Junior classes, Nathan Sinclair was seventh in 85 IPC, while Jake Pretorius had few issues but still almost cracked a National 85 top ten.
2022 SA 125 High School champion Wian Wentzel took a four minute debut 250cc OR3 victory in a splendid sixth overall aboard his little Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Factory Kawasaki KX 250 X. “What a day!” Wian beamed. “It started with a good qualifying result and I felt comfortable from the get-go.
“The track was very demanding and consisted of various terrains, but I kept it smooth and consistent throughout the day. “My Pepson Plastics Kawasaki handled perfectly and I am very happy to walk away with the win and sixth overall! “Huge thanks to the whole team for the slick pitstops and all the support. “Now let’s keep the momentum rolling!”
“My nerves at the start of a National are difficult to describe, but it was especially exciting to be starting my first National in almost 2 years,” Pieter reflected. “That’s what makes the Nationals different! “So great thanks to Iain and the Pepson Plastics Kawasaki crew for all his experience, and a team that keeps calm and collected, no matter the outcome.
“All in all, it was a great day out racing. “Riding a Japanese bike is always exciting and I also truly appreciate all my rivals, Wian and the GXCC team who made sure everything ran smoothly, and tough, just the way we like It. “It’s also great to see our sport growing in numbers, so let’s hope that we see even more sponsors and teams join in on the fun.”
Former five-time SA motocross champion Ryan Angilley made an impressive Cross Country debut on his Pepson Plastics Kawasaki in fourth in OR3. “This was my first ever cross country race, so I was still really unprepared. “It took a little time to understand how to read the track markings in the time trial, which led to mistakes and over shooting turns, so I ended up 26th!
“I started to get the hang of it by lap 3 and felt strong in the rocks. “That was strange, as I’d never ridden rocks before! “So I pushed there but had a crash which gashed my elbow. “It was sore, so I just rode for the finish and ended fourth in class and 11th overall.” I am really enjoying Cross Country racing and I will definitely be back for more and fighting for wins!”
“The opening Legends Cross Country round was a bit of a mixed bag for us,” Pepson Plastics Kawasaki team principal Iain Pepper concluded. “The guys showed incredible speed and determination, Wian won OR3 and Pieter took the Masters’ victory. “Ryan ended a brilliant fourth in OR3 on his Cross Country debut and Jaycee delivered a strong top-five in OR1.
“Brian was seventh in Masters’, Nathan seventh in the 85cc IPC class after running in second and Jake Pretorius had few issues but still almost cracked a top ten finish. “It’s a pity our High School rider Jayden Boyce retired and we wish our OR1 man Taki Bogiages a quick recovery after his tumble after a great fifth in the time trial.
“We are more than proud of our strong start and Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Factory Kawasaki Racing is already looking forward to the next race at Jolivet in KZN on 15 April. “Bring it on!”