Super Docherty shines at Supercross Africa

Monster Energy Supercross Africa made a sensational South African debut, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, in Pretoria, on Saturday, November 2.

Forty riders from around the world competed for the biggest prize in African motorsport.

This contingent included Benoni’s Michael Docherty (20), who proudly flew the flag for South Africa on his Kawasaki 450, by claiming a podium third position in the final and a pay day of $5 000, with just two weeks of supercross experience under his belt.

He finished behind American riders Josh Hill (first place) and Cody Gilmore (second place).

Speaking to the City Times about his achievement, on Monday, November 3, the former Kathstan College pupil said: “I’m just excited; it still feels like a dream.

“During the whole final race, right up until the end, I had no clue what position I was in until, eventually, someone told me that I had got third place.

“My mind was blown, I couldn’t believe it.

“I had no big expectations and was really nervous, but I just kept telling myself to go out there, have fun and whatever happens will happen.”

The Morehill resident started riding bikes at the age of two and started racing competitively in 2001.

His talents in motocross have seen him riding on and off in the USA since 2008.

Docherty has twice qualified to race the Loretta Lynns Amateur Nationals in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

He rode his professional debut in August, this year, in Unadilla, New York, and topped off a good year with the third placing at the first South African Supercross event in over 20 years.

When asked what it was like riding in the States, Docherty said: “It is really tough riding over there.

“There are a lot more riders, more tracks and a lot more competition.”

On his competition at Supercross Africa, the rider added: “The guys at Supercross Africa are pretty much the top riders in the sport so to just race against them was a great experience.”

Looking ahead, he is hoping that his display at Loftus will create more opportunites and open more doors for him in both motocross and supercross.

“It is the only thing I have done my whole life, I just can’t see my life without it.”

The rider thanked everybody who has supported him, including his numerous sponsors.