Tough ride for Naude in PE
This three-way points battle is likely to continue until the final national of the year
SACHA Naude from Bredell had a rough, but great ride at the third stop of the South African motocross nationals in Port Elizabeth.
“However, the long road trip to race the third round of MSAs (Monster Energy National Series) was well worth the distance travelled,” he said.
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Yamaha South Africa and Vision Racing’s Grant Foley went out of their way to ensure Neville Bradshaw, a multiple British MX2 champion, would compete in the remaining five rounds of the national series.
The MX1 Class has most noticeably been a Yin and Yang class with three different winners at each national so far this year.
Bradshaw capitalised on good starts in both races and was one step ahead in both fitness and speed. Anthony Raynard earned a well-deserved second position, looking strong and fit in Rover’s sandpit.
Naude had his only crash of the day during practice. Unfortunately, he was unable to post a fast lap and secure a decent gate position for race one. After experiencing two bad starts in both heats, a massive effort was required to catch up and secure passes in the MX1 Class.
The second heat was far more spectacular and difficult to pass the lightning-fast Michael Docherty on an extremely difficult and worn out track at the end of a long race day.
Having finished third in both heats, Naude was able to secure the final spot of the podium. A third position was considered fair by team manager Laren van der Westhuizen, as they were able to narrow the championship points lead by a further two points.
This three-way points battle is likely to continue until the final national of the year at Terra Topia.
A convincing display of brute force was required to secure the MX1 Championship in 2014. In 2015, a completely different approach is required and a far higher level of intensity and commitment is called for.
