Nyamupfukudza eyes SA Moto-X series
AFTER carrying the country’s flag with distinction during last year’s African Championships, young Zimbabwean motocross rider Victor Nyamupfukudza has now set his sights on this year’s South African National Championship series.
The nine-year-old Grade Five pupil at Elland Oak Junior School in Harare’s neighbourhood of Waterfalls emerged as one of the three most outstanding Zimbabwean riders during last year’s FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Championships in Cape Town, South Africa.
He helped Team Zimbabwe to walk away with a bronze medal in the juniors 50cc Class at the famous Zone 7 track in the Mother City in August last year. This also helped Team Zimbabwe to finish second overall in the points standings behind the hosts and defending champions South Africa.
After carrying the country’s flag high at the African Championships, Nyamupfukudza’s handlers have now decided to go international, starting with participating in some of the rounds of this year’s South African Nationals. They are also looking at competing at this year’s African Championships which have been scheduled for November in Marrakech, Morocco.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sport yesterday, Nyamupfukudza’s father and manager, Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza, revealed that they were looking at racing in the second round of the tough seven-round South African Nationals on March 30 at Rover in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
With its scenic location and challenging track, this round will surely test the skills and determination of the riders, including those of our talented young rider Victor Nyamupfukudza.
Victor has this year graduated to race in the 65cc and 85cc classes, up from the 50cc Class.
“Victor is busy training at the moment under his trainer Big Chitima and our main aim is to race in the second round of the South African Nationals on March 30.
“We are looking at racing in the South African Nationals this year but we will not compete in all the rounds because of our tight budget.
“We are at the moment trying to apply for a South African license which, I think, is not a big problem.
“What we are also looking at is for some sponsors to come on board and help us to race in the South African Nationals. “We need sponsorship for air tickets and accommodation,” Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza said.
Young Victor will, meanwhile, warm-up for the South African Nationals by competing in this coming Sunday’s second round of the Bogwheelers Club National Championship series at Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare. He will be joined by most of the country’s other top junior and senior riders during this one-day event at the iconic motorsport venue in Harare.
The opening round of the 2024 Bogwheelers Club National Championship series was held last month at the same venue and it attracted a full house.
The event saw Victor ruling the roost in the 65cc Class and will be looking for a repeat performance during this coming Sunday’s round two of the Bogwheelers Club National Championship series ahead of the South African Nationals.