Zimbabwe’s Donnybrook Raceway has received a grand responsibility to host the prestigious 2015 FIM Africa Continental Motocross Championships set for August 28 to 30 this year.
By Munyaradzi Madzokere
The opportunity comes after the initial hosts Botswana decided to forego the staging of the extreme motorbike racing event. FIM Africa President Ray Wilson made the announcement on the organisation’s website last week.
“Following the formal request from Botswana Motor Sport to withdraw from the hosting of the 2015 FIM Africa Continental Motocross Championships, council is pleased to confirm that it has accepted a request from the Zimbabwe Motor Sport Federation to take over hosting this event.
“The dates of the event will remain per the calendar but the host federation will now be ZMSF and the event will be organised by Bogwheelers Motor Club at Donnybrook Circuit, Harare,” he said.
“The FIM Africa Council would like to extend its most sincere gratitude to ZMSF for taking over this event at relatively short notice, but are however sure that they will once again host an event befitting of Continental Championship status, as they have shown capability in the past,” added Wilson.
In an interview with Standardsport, Bogwheelers Club chairman Shaun Whyte labelled the hosting of the event a “big deal” for Zimbabwe motocross.
“It’s a big deal for Zimbabwe motocross to have an opportunity of hosting the whole of Africa, and the best motocross riders from the continent. It is actually the most prestigious motocross event in Africa because anyone who wins will become an African champion,” he said.
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Zimbabwe is easily the second best nation in motocross behind South Africa which is in a class of its own in the sport on the continent. Last year Zimbabwe finished second to South Africa in the Continental motocross championships hosted by Zambia, having been tied on points with southern neighbours after the first round of the competition.
“Last year in Zambia we finished second to South Africa and we are hoping to do better on our home ground and beat them. As long as we manage to get all our top riders, it is possible,” added Whyte.
Fortunately the country has a crop of highly talented riders who are coming up through the ranks.
In the 50CC class Emmanuel Bako, who has been showing great form in South Africa in recent weeks, will carry the country’s hopes alongside Jordan, Dawdney and Trevis Da Silva.
Daiyaan Manuel, who was a South African champion last year is also a top contender for success in the 65CC class as well as Kuda Mhene, Biggs Chitima, Ricky Whyte and Regan Evans.
Davin Cocker is a front runner for medals in the 85CC class while Chrispen Granger, Regan Bond and Mudiwa Chigumba are well able to spring a surprise or two.
Tanya Muzinda, the only lady racer likely to represent the country at the August event is sure to score points for Zimbabwe in the competition.
The trio of Regan Wasmth, Brad Perry and Josh Thomas is likely to rake in points for Zimbabwe at the championships while Ashley Thixton and Craig Burl can excel in the MX2 grouping as Cameron Thixton and Broc Thomas can compete in the more challenging MX1. Whyte said they are hoping to bring in top racers — former Zimbabwe captain Sean Mitchell who is now based in Belgium and Jaden Ashwell — who are both competing on the international stage to bolster team Zimbabwe.
He also took the opportunity to invite sponsors to come forward and be part of a momentous occasion for Zimbabwe motocross. “We are inviting sponsors and all stakeholders to come through and help us make this event a success. This is the biggest event in Africa and it would be good if they can take advantage of this stage. There are different classes of sponsors so we will not refuse any kind of sponsorship,” he said.
