SA National Motocross Championship – Husqvarna out to tighten SA MX grip

Husqvarna Motorcycles heads to Bloemfontein’s third round South African Motocross Championship fully intent to open up its Manufacturer’s Championship lead, while factory riders Maddy Malan plans to continue his unbeaten run in MX2 and Richie van der Westhuizen is looking to climb a step up to the top of the MX1 podium.

The team has enjoyed a brilliant start to 2017 where Husqvarna leads the Manufacturer’s points from Yamaha and KTM after two rounds, Malan has won all four of the four MX2 races so far and Richie van der Westhuizen sitting a strong third in that title race. Van der Westhuizen is also second in the MX1 championship following the opening Port Elizabeth and Cape Town rounds with four races still to run.

“We have had an excellent start to the 2017 SA motocross season,” Husqvarna Motorcycles SA Brand Manager Fred Fensham confirmed. “Maddy Malan remains unbeaten in MX2, Richie van der Westhuizen is right there in both MX1 and MX2, and we are leading the maker’s championship and we are looking for more of the same in the Free State this weekend. “The team is ready – bring it on!”

“I’ve had a dream start to the 2017 season and I fully intend to keep on as we started,” Maddy Malan explained. “We have been working hard and my bike is brilliant – I am looking forward to putting my white Husqvarna on top of the podium again this weekend as well as to racing in Bloemfontein – it’s a great track and a super place to compete.”

“I’m really looking forward to round 3,” Richard van der Westhuizen admitted. “I love the Bloemfontein track and I’ve had some good races there previously. “I have been climbing the ladder in MX2 and would love to get a good result in MX1 too – it’s all about racking up solid points in the championship so that’s the goal. “My Husqvarnas are working great and hopefully we can find the top of the podium – thanks to all my sponsors and backers – I hope to do you all proud again this weekend!”

Husqvarna Motorcycles’ two-wheeled legend stretches back to 1903, when the Swedish firm first motorised one of its bicycles to start a legacy, but it was not until 1955 that the company was among the very first to offer a motorcycle purpose-built for off-road use. Weighing in at just 75kg, that first, nimble motocrosser featured revolutionary telescopic forks, hydraulic dampers and a frame-mounted engine.

Husqvarna went on to become the dominant force in world motocross, enduro and off-road racing as it established itself as the ultimate off-road motorcycle racing brand as the company led the way in dirt bike development through dramatic suspension and technological breakthroughs including a new generation of 4-stroke competition motorcycles. Husqvarna Motorcycles today, offers a full range of premium new-generation off-road motorcycles ready to win in classic white, blue and yellow colours.

Husqvarna Motorcycles’ South African Motocross Team rides on Pirelli Tyres, uses Bel-Ray lubricants and FMF exhausts, dons Fox gear and pits under Portable Shade, where the team is equipped with Snap-On Tools and depends on 32Gi Nutrition. Learn more at www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/za