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Collin Matiza Sports Editor
TODAY is D-Day for Zimbabwe’s junior motocross champion rider Emmanuel Bako when he competes in the final round of the 2021 South African National Championship series.
The championships will come to a spectacular climax at Legends Motocross Park, near Pretoria, today, where the meeting will decide all eight 2021 South African motocross champions. And, Bako (14), needs an outright victory in the 85cc Pro Mini Class to be crowned the 2021 Champion in this section. The 85cc Pro Mini title chase is one of the closest in this year’s championship.
Trey Cox and his Red Bull KTM will need to bounce back, following a less than spectacular showing last time out, if he is to defend his slender title advantage.
He has to contend with in-form lad Neil van der Vyver’s Rockstar Husqvarna and double winner last time out, Bako, now on another Husqvarna, Alon Orland’s GasGas and Damien Venter’s KTM. Bako is the lad to beat today after he swept to victory in the penultimate round of this year’s seven-round South African National Championship series at BORC in Bloemfontein on October 23. On that day, he blasted himself back into title contention with a double win over Rockstar Husqvarna lad van der Vyver.
Ryan Adler was third on another Husqvarna with Cox’s Red Bull KTM next from Orland’s GasGas and Damien Venter’s KTM.
Cox provisionally leads the title chase by a couple of points from van der Vyver and Bako.
So, today points to another exciting duel between these exciting young riders, in their quest to be crowned the 2021 85cc Pro Mini Class Champion in South Africa.
There won’t be any margin for error, especially for Bako, who will be hunting for his second title in South Africa. He was recently crowned the Northern Regions Champion, which was his first major title since he started racing across the Limpopo, when he was six. Speaking to The Herald on Saturday ahead of today’s epic day, Bako’s father and manager, Brighton, said his son was ‘‘super confident’’ and ready to tackle the track at Legends Motocross Park, which is one of his favourite hunting grounds.
‘‘He wants to give his best before his break as he will soon be leaving for Dubai for a holiday, after spending the whole year racing, in South Africa,’’ said Brighton.
‘‘Emmanuel is just itching to get back on the track at Legends where he usually does well.
“He knows that an outright victory will see him bringing the trophy back home to Zimbabwe and he is raring to go.’’
The 2021 South African National Motocross Championship is proudly presented by Motorsport South Africa in partnership with Cannabis Energy Drink, TRP Distributors, Prepsol, Bridgestone, Thor, Gaerne, FMF, Pro Taper, 100%, Fly Racing, Ogio, Bandit Graffix and the Race Shop.
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