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Collin Matiza
Sports Editor
SEASONED campaigner Ashley Thixton had an exhilarating race during the fifth round of the Bogwheelers Club National Motocross Championship series at the breathtaking Donnybrook Park Raceway motocross track in Harare on Sunday with Emmanuel Bako, Daiyaan “D” Manuel and young Victor Nyamupfukudza also leaving a trail of wins in their wake, claiming the top step in their respective classes .
Taking centre stage in front of the Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri who made a surprise visit to Donnybrook Park Raceway on Sunday to watch this exciting dirt bike riding event accompanied by her daughter Tanya, was Thixton, who was crowned the 2023 MX1 Class National Champion after picking up two wins in this prestigious class.
The 30-year-old Thixton kept his eyes on the prize and hands tight on the handlebars to bring both class wins home.
A relaxed Thixton, who is currently preparing to race in the motorbike section of the 2024 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia in January, commented on his polished performance on Sunday: “I kept it smooth and consistent throughout the day and managed to tick all the boxes to get the overall victory!
“Great performance, managed to win my Class with two wins for the day.
“Still remained reserved and have nursed through the day making sure there were no injuries.”
Second and third place in the MX1 Class went to South African rider Joshua Mlimi and Dougie Mellor.
Mlimi, who was a guest rider at this event with his brother Jonathan, was pleased with his overall performance but he felt he could have done better under the scorching hot conditions at Donnybrook on Sunday.
“Yeah, the race was good and there was some awesome racing. I enjoyed the competition but I feel that I could have performed much better,” Joshua Mlimi told Zimpapers Sport after the race on Sunday. He also said he didn’t have the day he had planned out.
Meanwhile, there was no stopping Emmanuel Bako in the 125cc Class. Showcasing his unrivalled grit, 17-year-old Bako, who after a slower start by his own high standards, had to fight his way back and control the race from the front lines. He said: “Really stoked with the day getting both heat wins even though I had a bad start but the day went really well. Getting two wins and the maximum 40 points isn’t really bad man and couldn’t be happier.”
Riley Rocher, the 125 Class standings leader, couldn’t cope with Bako’s speed and had to settle for second place ahead of Noah Butler Res.
Another local champion rider Manuel was in irresistible form in the MX2 Class in which he put his nearest challengers Jonathan Mlimi and Bako in the shed.
Manuel, a Form Six pupil at St John’s College in Harare, was just a joy to watch on the track on Sunday as he forced Jonathan Mlimi and Bako to settle for second and third place.
Manuel commented after the race: “I had a good outing but I was pushed all the way by Jonathan (Mlimi) and Emmanuel (Bako) but I managed to finish in first place which is really good.”
There was also joy for nine-year-old Victor Nyamupfukudza who scored a double on Sunday, winning both the juniors 50cc and 65cc classes.
Nyamupfukudza, a Grade Four pupil at Elland Oak Junior School in the Waterfalls area of Harare, was just like a ball of fire as he took the lead in both classes and never looked back.
In the 50cc Class, Nyamupfukudza had to contend with Cameron Fraser and Michael Krause whom he forced to settle for second and third place.
Nyamupfukudza now only need another first step on the podium or to finish second during next month’s final round of the 2023 Bogwheelers Club National Motocross Championship series at the same venue to be crowned the 2023 50cc Class National Champion. He was also firing on all cylinders in the 65cc Class, winning both heats convincingly to walk away with the maximum 40 points much to the delight of his father and manager, Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza.
Kudzwai Chitsurura (32 points) and Seb Wright (32 points) were forced to settle for second and third place in the 65cc Class.
“Oh what a great day for Victor…to pick up both wins in the 50cc and 65cc classes is just awesome for him.
“I think he is gaining confidence on the track because of the number of international races he has taken part in outside the country in the past couple of years.
“He now can’t be bullied off the track and he enters each race full of confidence. The most exciting thing today (Sunday) was that he performed brilliantly in front of the event’s special guest of honour, the Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“I think her presence today will help promote the sport of motocross in the Government’s corridors,” Simbarashe Nyamupfukudza said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri was invited to watch Sunday’s event at Donnybrook by prominent Harare businessman Scott Sakupwanya, who is now one of the major sponsors of motocross in this country through his Better Brands Jewelry brand.
Sakupwanya’s two sons, Mudiwa and Judah, are now into motocross after having been introduced to this exciting sport last year by Emmanuel Bako’s father, Brighton “Bucks” Bako, who is a close friend of the Sakupwanya family.
Top honours in the 85cc Class on Sunday went to Riley Rocher (40 points) ahead of Tariq Shelton (32 points) and guest rider from South Africa Kabelo Ledwaba (30 points).
The victory will see Rocher being crowned the 85cc Class National Champion during the final round of the series on October 22 at Donnybrook.
South Africa’s Ledwaba couldn’t hide his excitement after coming third in the 85cc Class on Sunday.
“To be honest with you, I really enjoyed my day on the track today. The competition was good and exciting…I can’t wait for my next race meeting here at Donnybrook.
“The reception I received from the Zimbabwean riders was just out of this world,” Ledwaba said after Sunday’s race meeting.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter