Aged seven, Brakpan’s Marnitz Otten works hard to realise his dream of being a superstar motorbike racer.
The youngster has had an incredible season in the SA Short Circuit Series. He won all six rounds in the PW 50 class this year, the most recent being last month in Benoni.
In that race, he won all three heats and took victory in the primary race.
Marnitz’s form has been so strong that he cannot lose the lead in the championship’s final races.
“He can’t be caught,” said his mother, Izele Otten.
The last two legs of the title are at the end of this month in Polokwane and in Vereeniging next month.
His racing has improved since last year when he finished third in the championship.
The youngster not only impressed in the PW 50 category but he has been hard at work competing in the higher SM 50 division.
Marnitz has had four races in the higher division.
His performances have steadily improved, and he aims to race exclusively in the SM 50 division and leave the PW 50 category next year.
At his young age, the SM 50 bikes seem too big for him because his feet cannot touch the floor when he sits on the bikes.
“He has been working hard with his father. He is dedicated and wants to train every weekend and some days during the week,” said Izele.
Marnitz’s favourite racer is top rider Brad Binder, and he is determined to be like him.
“He wakes me up on a weekend, asking when we can go and practice. I must say that for his age, he’s very committed,” his father, Willem, previously told the Herald.
The youngster’s love for the track is patently obvious.
“I enjoy being out on the track with my friends,” said Marnitz.
