adminCaroline Magenga Harare Bureau
FORMER Bogwheelers Club chairman Gary Grainger has hailed motocross riders at this year’s edition of the Summer Series for putting up a spirited performance.
The high-profile year-ending motocross event came to life on Wednesday night at Donnybrook with a Supercross event dominated by South African riders in the main MX1 Class.
Local junior riders had better luck, recording wins in most classes, with the likes of Daiyaan Manuel, Davin Cocker, Tanya Muzinda and Ryan Masimo emerging as toast of the local team.
“The series kicked off with a great start and we witnessed some very good Supercross here at Donnybrook on the opening night so we’re expecting even better performances tonight (yesterday) as we enter Supercross’ day two,” said Grainger.
“Our visiting riders (from South Africa and Uganda) were really phenomenal and really gave the locals some great competition and we’re just happy that they’re here.
“Some of our local riders were still finding their feet during the opening night but towards the end everything was getting fast paced and so tonight (last night) we’re expecting everything to be even more exciting as everyone will have adjusted.
“Unfortunately, one of our riders Jayden Ashwell had a bit of bad luck.
“He had a mechanical failure during his first heat and that was a setback for him but I’m confident that tonight (last night) he’ll be on pace.
“We witnessed some outstanding riding throughout the classes with the likes of Davin Cocker, Reagan Smith and Daiyaan Manuel doing really well.”
The former Bogwheelers Club boss encouraged the local riders to do their best to make the country proud.
“The Summer Series can be really intense because some of the best riders in Africa will be racing in the same track but I advise them all to just keep their heads up, believe in themselves and do their best to make their country proud,” said Grainger.
The motocross event tomorrow is scheduled to start at 10AM with the prize giving ceremony taking place in the afternoon.
Entrance to the full bar and catering events has been pegged at $5 for adults and $2 for children under the age of 12.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter