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Collin Matiza
LET’S get cracking!
Organisers of the annual Zimbabwe Summer Series are leaving no stone unturned, and they want to turn it into one of the biggest and most spectacular motorcycling events in the world.
To show their intensity and purpose, they have already re-branded this year’s event to the International Surge Energy Drink Zimbabwe Summer Series.
This year’s International Surge Energy Drink Zimbabwe Summer Series has been slated for December 11, 13, and 15 at the home of motorsport in Zimbabwe — Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare.
It will consist of two Supercross nights on December 11 and 13 followed by some high-octane of motocross racing on December 15.
A source close to this year’s International Surge Energy Drink Zimbabwe Summer Series told the Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday that they would like to turn it into one of the biggest motorsport events in the world.
“It’s a groundbreaking initiative that is set to revolutionise the way sports are perceived in Zimbabwe. We are here to create a global extravaganza, an awe-inspiring spectacle that will captivate Zimbabwean spectators like never before.
“We have signed up with the sponsors and we are also going to do the same with top riders around the world to compete in various formats and categories, pushing the limits of their skills and inspiring the Zimbabwean riders to reach new heights.
“Prepare to be amazed as our stage performers break records of charismatic engagement, adding an extra layer of excitement to this premier motorsport event in Zimbabwe.
“Our main aim is to create a premier high-intensity off-road motorcycle racing league, where athletes defy gravity, soaring through the air with their motorcycles, racing handle to handle in front of an electrifying crowd. Get ready to be thrilled, entertained, and left in awe at the International Surge Energy Drink Zimbabwe Summer Series.
“At this year’s International Surge Energy Drink Zimbabwe Summer Series Supercross and motocross FanFest we would like to see the teams up-close as they prepare, practice, and qualify for the race. You can also take photos, interact with sponsor displays, sample Surge Energy drinks, and purchase your favourite gear. It’s a part of the Super-cross and motocross experience you don’t want to miss,” the source said.
Scott Fraser of the Bogwheelers Club, which runs motocross in this country, recently said they were expecting to host the biggest sporting event in Zimbabwe.
“We have a new title sponsor for this year and it is Surge Energy Drink.
“We are looking at 30-40 international riders from Europe, and Southern Africa.
Both motocross and supercross tracks will be rebuilt to provide even better action for the fans,” Fraser said.
They have also managed to retain Scott Sakupwanya’s Betterbrands Petroleum as one of their main sponsors.
And this will guarantee the participation of international riders at this year’s Zimbabwe Summer Series.
Last year, more than 22 professional riders were brought in here to race in the Zimbabwe Summer Series by Better-brands Petroleum.
And a bigger number is expected for next month’s big international event at Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare.
All the top Zimbabwean motocross riders, led by Jayden Ashwell, Daiyaan Manuel, Emmanuel Bako, Doug Mellor, Regan Wasmuth and Victor Nyamupfukudza, have already confirmed their participation at this big international event.
But one of Zimbabwe’s motocross champion riders Ashley Thixton will be conspicuous by his absence as he recently underwent surgery on his dislocated shoulder, and he is projected to need four to six months to recover. This means the MX1 and MX2 riders will miss this year’s Zimbabwe Summer Series.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, the 30-year-old dirt bike rider Thixton revealed that he is also expecting his first child and this will also see him taking some time off the track.
Asked if he was going to be available for this year’s Zimbabwe Summer Series, Thixton said: “No, I won’t be racing this year. I’ve just had a shoulder replacement, so I’m off the bike for six months.
“And together with my wife we are expecting our first child, I’m taking a year off from racing but I’ll be back stronger next year.”
A veteran of so many battles on the track at Donnybrook, Thixton has been a regular feature at the Zimbabwe Summer Series since its inception just after the turn of the new millennium.
He has won so many races in the different classes that he has competed in at Donnybrook since he was introduced to the sport by his father, Trevor, as a three-year-old.
Online Reporter