Kerim takes 10th Motocross Nationals title
NORTHERN FARM – Motocross veteran Kerim Fitz-Gerald does it again at Terra Topia.
Kerim Fitz-Gerald was crowned the MX2 champion when the South African Motocross Nationals season wrapped up at Terra Topia, Northern Farm, and the motocross legend held off some of South Africa’s finest rising talent to snatch up the 10th national title of his career.
The past few seasons have been quiet for the Red Bull KTM rider by his own high standards with his last national title dating back to 2016. If there was any rider capable of surprising his rivals with an epic comeback, however, it was always going to be the multiple national champion.
“Just like that, the 2019 season has come and gone,” the Aspen Hills resident said.
“It’s been a fun year racing and being a new dad. Thank you to my team for all the effort and making sure I had everything I need and more. All that’s left to say now is 2020.”
The final round of the series may not have panned out like teammate Joshua Mlimi had hoped for, but the rider will be pleased with a third place in the MX2 Championship overall.
After multiple podium finishes and a victory this season, it was the most successful year that Mlimi has experienced in the MX2 Class yet.
Adding to the celebrations in the orange camp was a win in the High School Class from rising motocross star Camden Mc Lellan. The 14-year old rider from Germiston made history when he swept up the 2018 FIM European Championship. As the first South African rider to have ever claimed a European Championship title, his pursuits internationally were his top priority this year.
“Unfortunately I was only in South Africa for three National Motocross races as I was overseas for most of the year,” he said.
“It’s so good to be home racing with my team, so I always make the most of the time I get to compete here.”
It was a rather dramatic end to the season for Red Bull KTM’s Tristan Purdon who went into the last round of the championship as the MX1 points leader.
After a crash in the first moto, Purdon took his place at the start line for the second heat tied for points with championship rival Matthew Malan.
Purdon was charging and pressurising Malan who took a tumble, resulting in Purdon taking over the race lead.
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