Racers kick off season in high gear
The youngsters showcased their determination and skill.
The first round of the SA Short Circuit Series, held in Vereeniging on February 1, saw two Brakpan racers once again proving they are forces to be reckoned with.
Eight-year-old Marnitz Otten (#550) raced in the SM50 and SM65 classes.
The day started with the SM65 qualifying with Marnitz taking the starting grid in pole two.
He also qualified in second place during the SM50 qualifying.
The SM65 was the first class at the starting line for heat one.
Marnitz ensured a spectacular takeoff when his finger slipped off the clutch and he sent his bike flying.
The race was restarted and Marnitz ended this heat in second place.
The SM50 class was up next. Marnitz started second on the grid and did his best to overtake the racer in front of him for first place.
Despite never giving up, he finished in second place.
He also bagged second place during the SM65 second heat.
Heat two in the SM50 class saw some excellent battles as Marnitz, in second place again, fought to overtake the leader of the pack.
During the third heat of the SM65, Marnitz ensured some nail-biting action as he passed the front runner in lap two and managed to keep his composure and win the heat.
Marnitz started his last SM50 heat of the day in second position on the grid.
He had an excellent start into first place and managed to keep his competitors behind him until the last lap, while trying to pass the back marker (last racer on the track).
The rider in second place took his chance and passed Marnitz, who took the checkered flag less than a second behind the winner.
Overall, it was a great day of racing for Marnitz who earned second place podiums in both his classes.
His spectacular takeoff also earned him the ‘Epic Fail of the Day’ award.
Brakpan’s other racing superstar competing on the day was Liam Smith (8), who also races in two classes – PW50 and SM50 (#238).
Liam raced his heart out in the PW50 class. It wasn’t the easiest race as Liam suffered mechanical issues with his bike during qualifying which led to him having to borrow a bike.
He had not been on this bike before and had to start at the back of the grid in eight place due to not being able to qualify.
Liam managed to finish the first heat in third place.
During the second heat, Liam had another racer crash into him but managed to stay on his bike at all times, and placed second in the second and third heats, which landed him second place overall for the day.
The SM50 class is still new to Liam, and he has practised only twice at the track with the bigger bike for this class.
Liam showed a lot of improvement lap after lap. Being new to the bigger class, Liam kept up with the more experienced riders in this class.
With practice, that podium wont be too far away.
Altogether, it was a good day for Liam, starting the season off with a second place in the championship.
Liam’s dedication and determination paid off – even on a day where there were so many obstacles to overcome, he pushed through and got that podium.
For a rider entering his second year of racing, Liam has shown astonishing growth.
The boys will be back in action on the track for round two of the SA Short Circuit Series at Formula K in Benoni on March 8.
