Kawasaki Racing closed its 2022 Cross Country Motorcycle racing season off in championship-winning style at the final GXCC Gauteng Cross Country round down Carletonville way on Saturday.
South African National OR1 Cross Country champion Mike Pentecost added one more dominant championship winner’s red plate to his collection, with yet another emphatic GXCC overall win on his Franchise Co. Tork Craft Kawasaki KX 450 X.
Another Kawasaki SA champion, Senior Cross Country class King Kenny Gilbert also won again aboard his Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul KX 450 X, while Warrick van Schalkwyk rode his Franchise Co. Tork Craft Kawasaki to Masters class victory too.
Other Team green riders to shine at Carletonville included John Botha who closed off a strong regional season with third in 250cc OR3 aboard his Franchise Co. Tork Craft Kawasaki KX 250 X. OR3 regular Taki Bogiages meanwhile rode home fifth in the Open class as he stepped up to an OR1 Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki KX 450 X.
Circuit racer Lee Thompson ended third in Seniors, while Veteran Pepson Plastics Scottish Cables Motul Kawasaki teammate and team boss Iain Pepper enjoyed a welcome return. He raced alongside celebrity circuit car racing duo, son Jordan, who is more famous for winning in Lamborghinis’ in the US, and SA SupaCup winner and son-in-law to be, Keegan Campos.
“That brings a brilliant season of Cross Country racing to a fine end for Kawasaki, “Iain Pepper confirmed. “Well done to all involved on some incredible achievements” Franchise Co. Tork Craft Kawasaki team boss Harry Grobler concluded: “Our men in green have had a fantastic race and championship-winning season. “Now for 2023 – we can’t wait!”