Townsend eyes strong showing in big Bay event
Rover championship a chance to test form
YOUNG motocross racer Kyle Townsend is champing at the bit as he continues his preparations for the M X South Africa National Championships to be held in Port Elizabeth next month.
Kyle, 10, who will race in the 85cc Pro Mini class at the nationals, said: “I am extremely excited for both the pre-national and national races.
“I will be riding against competitors who are a lot older than I am, so I am going out there to do my best and take it to the next level,” he said.
He will get an early chance to hone his skills when a pre-national event is hosted by Rover Motorcycle Club next weekend.
The pre-national will act as a curtainraiser ahead of the opening round of the national championships at the same venue.
Returning to the Bay for a second year, the event promises high octane, adrenaline fuelled racing action to keep fans glued to their seats.
The pre-nationals gives racers a chance to see how their preparations for the upcoming season have gone and where they can improve ahead of that all-important first race on February 17.
Motocross chairman Neville Townsend, of Rover Motorcycle Club, said the first round of the Rover MCC club championships will also be held on the same day as the pre-national race.
Townsend said at least 80-90 racers are expected to form part of the January 27 festivities, but admitted that not all the national racers will come to the Bay for the pre-nationals.
“We will not have many national racers coming out here for the pre-national, unless they really want to. It’s just about getting in some good times and getting used to the track,” he said.
A number of classes will compete, including the 50cc Pro, 65cc Pro, 85cc junior and Pro Mini classes, 125cc MX 1, 2 and 3 as well as some support classes.
Another Bay rider, Keegan HicksonMahony, was hard at work sharpening up ahead of the new season.
Keegan, 17, will be racing in the MX 2 class this year. Keegan said he was ready for the season and hoped to achieve at least a top five position at the PE race.
On the growth and popularity of the sport in the city, Townsend said interest has been developing steadily.
“There are a lot of young boys who are interested in the sport. There are many young kids who come with their parents who are eager to ride,” he said.
In a bid to boost junior numbers, Rover have extended an invitation to all junior racers looking to join the sport, to sign up with the two support classes which cater for both beginner and pro classes.