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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
IT keeps on getting better for ace junior motocross rider Emmanuel Bako after he sealed another lucrative sponsorship package ahead of the ongoing annual Zimbabwe Summer Series which got underway at Donnybrook Raceway in Harare yesterday.
With corporates now showing more willingness to partner the rising star, Bako this week welcomed another sponsorship package when he signed a lucrative package with Kazsham Mining.
The mining company has since provided kits which Bako will use for the Zimbabwe Summer Series where he is one of the star attractions in an event which has predominantly local riders since most foreign racers failed to turn up due to travel restrictions in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kazsham Mining director, Toukeer Kazi, said his company decided to partner Bako as a way of encouraging him to race on.
“We are fully behind Emmanuel Bako and we have committed to partner him from now. In fact, we have already started the relationship and he is set to race in the Summer Series with the gear we have sponsored him with,” Kazi said yesterday.
“We know he is a great racer and he usually delivers top-notch performances. He is a star and we are happy to announce our official partnership with him.
“We have watched him (Bako) since he was still a 4-year-old boy and we can say it loudly that he is the best in his game.
“We have therefore decided to partner him going forward.”
Kazi said his company will also be sponsoring Bako in his upcoming European races next year.
“As I have already said, Bako will be sponsored by the company from now on. We are happy to be partnering him and we have made a commitment to sponsor his European races next year.”
The Zimbabwe Summer Series, organised by the Bogwheelers Club, kicked-off at the iconic home of motorsport – Donnybrook- yesterday.
The event opened with the Supercross races yesterday while racers will battle it out in the flat track from 10am today before a full day of some high-octane motocross action tomorrow.
Classes competing for honours include the PeeWees, 50cc, 65cc, 85cc, 125cc, MX1, MX2, Masters and Veterans.
While Bako is expected to dazzle as he has always done in the 85cc and 125cc classes, he should brace for a tough ride against his arch-rival Daiyaan “D” Manuel and others while Regan Wasmuth should also expect some stiff competition in the MX1 Class. Young Emile Croisette, who spent two months training under former three-time world motocross champion, Yves Demaria, in France in July and August, is already back in the country and will be competing in the 85cc Class where he will be hoping to go “bumper to bumper” with Bako and Manuel.
After a lengthy absence in the local racing circuit, Quinten Le Roux, who competes in the Masters’ Class, makes a return but he won’t have it on a silver platter against some passionate riders who are gunning for the crown in the same section.
Seb Wright and Kudzwai Chitsurura are the frontrunners to clinch gold in the 50cc Class while Riley Rocher is the hot favourite in the 65cc Class.
Promising female rider Tadiwanashe Nyamupfukudza is unavailable for this year’s event as she is writing her examinations but her young brother, Victor, is competing in the PeeWee Class for kids under the age of seven.
Entry fees for the spectators for each day have been pegged at US$2 for adults and US$1 for children. Kids under 12 years will get in for free. There will be a full bar and catering.
Online Reporter