4th Motocross Challenge in Gobabis (NAM) - Preview :: Namibia Internet Gateway cc ::

Articles: 4th Motocross Challenge in Gobabis (NAM) - Preview

Posted by Admin on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 05:39 PM

"BIG-5-Moto Cross Cup" in Gobabis
The MX-bikes were barely rid of the aggressive salty sand from the coast, when they were already moved in an easterly direction: to Gobabis. Messrs Big-5, headed by Wikus Engelbrecht, acts as the main sponsor. Wikus is also the driving force behind the Gobabis Moto Cross Club. According to received information the track was broadened and in front of the spectators terrace a 30m jump was built. The riders enjoy riding in Gobabis, the consistency of the soil is absolutely unique in Namibia.
This is the fourth championships race of the season. The leading riders will cling to their positions, while the riders in mid-field will try to improve their positions. Exciting races are thus guaranteed!
In the 50cc Class the leading rider Michael Barlow should be pretty relaxed. He has a big points-adavantage and the championship title seems to be already his. From Windhoek the siblings Yoshua and Esranel Becker are part of the action and they will fight for every point. Those wo saw young William Smith in Swakopmund know, that he might be Michael Barlows biggest opponent.
In the 65cc Class Eric Garbers had to accept defeat for the first time in Swakopmund, but it won't keep him from pursuing first place. Tristan Muller and Pauli Loots will chase Eric but Matthew Nederlof on his Yamaha could become the spoilsport.

In the 85cc Class we have a real champion: Mark Sternagel. Marki not only won his category in Swakopmund but also rode for the first time on his strong KTM in the 125ccm Class and he made an amazing 9th place in the "Wesbank King of the Dirt". There we've got something to look forward to coming Saturday!
Jaco Loots is likewise pretty fast on his new Suzuki. The guys from the coast, Schalk Louw and Niki Rossi expect to have some advantages on the track in Gobabis as they are used to riding in deep sand.
There are a lot of rumours concerning the Clubmen's Class. As the Speedcross-Class was cancelled, some riders now want to continue as Clubmen, others want the formation of a national class – Masters Class – which would enable them to participate in the "Wesbank King of the Dirt". Maybe Gobabis will give a push in the right direction. Rainer Becker, born in Gobabis, is the local hero and should be able to keep the lead on his home-track. Heino Windisch should be his greatest challenger. Ian Kotze, Doolie Engels and Marc Ratheiser will fight for the 3rd vacant podium spot. Ex-champ Gino Rossi however could mess up this little prediction just as easily! The tension will be palpable.

The Open-Class and the 125ccm Class start together.It is almost certain that Ross Branch from Botswana, on his fast Kawasaki will compete in Gobabis. Pugnacious Frank Klosta should be the fastest Namibian rider. Ronnie Adams, the reigning Open-Class champion expects a lot from Gobabis, he had already beaten everyone there. His bike, a 450 four-stroke Suzuki could be to his advantage in the deep sand. In Swakopmund Arno Engels on his super fast Honda finally got the hang of it. His 3rd place in the King of the Dirt proves that one can reckon with him again.

Alexander Howard could not exploit his full potential due to a piston ring damage. Everything is fixed again however and Alex will show some podium ambitions. Same can be said about "Animal" Wise, who was out of action for the past 2 month, now he is more then eager to show his potential (Due to a lack of space we only introduce the Top-6 riders.)
The 4-Wheelers in the various Quad-Classes also love to go to Gobabis and the organiser expects a big number of participants. In the Clubmen's Class Michael Behnke is the favourite, he landed an exceptional 3rd place in the "Quads King of the Dirt" in Swakopmund. Wolfgang Rohl, Nokkie Maree or Pearce van Wyk usually ride up front as well.
The interest in the Quads-Ladies-Class has apparently waned. Liezl Davies, a slender young woman calls the shots here. The siblings Maike and Suleika Bochert as well as Celene Adams will fight for the remaining spots on the rostrum.
The interest in the Kindergarden-Class, the Mini-Quads-Class is big. Joane Steenkamp or Sune Garbers will show the boys how it's done. Jaques Maree should also land on the podium.
Eugene Slippers is the favourite in the Quads-B-Class up to 240ccm, while Ecki Spoerer and André Maree can fight it out for 2nd place.
Let's move on to the protagonists, the Quads-A-Class over 240ccm. Ronnie Adams was defeated by Jan de Haan in Swakopmund, who is highly motivated now as he knows he can beat Ronnie and that's exactly what he will try to do in Gobabis. Dirk Baard is part of the action again despite his bad crash during the previous race. He could spoil the fun for the above-mentioned. His brother Phil Baard or Rodney Davies are also keen on a podium spot. These guys will give it all, that's for certain!

So don't forget, make a note: "Big-5 Moto Cross Cup" coming Saturday, the 21st of April in Gobabis. Food and beverages will be available at the track.

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