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19th February 2005 saw the start of the new 2005 Northern Regions Championships and what a start it was. With an entry list of 151 entrants the fields were huge. Most of the classes have grown in size with only two classes regressing a little (BoTTs and Classics). The interest shown in the days event was evident by the fact that E-TV, MNet Supersport and various private event imaging companies were there. Hell there was even helicopter coverage and most riders felt like MotoGP stars considering the fact that we never get any coverage unless it is on Two Wheels. We are of the opinion that due to the serious hiatus of the off season period every motorcycle racer participant was eager to get out and cover the day. A fantastic days racing was had and even the weather held out for us to complete the days event - last year saw 38 crashes by the end of the day (maybe this is why we attracted so much television attention).
On a more sombre note the racing was started off by a moment of silence in respect of Thys Mostert Jnr (an all-round good kid, well liked in the pits) who raced in Powersport class as number 41. Further silence on the race grid as a sign of respect was given at the start of the Powersport race and his presence will be sadly missed - especially considering the circumstances he was killed in.
Here is a brief synopsis of the days racing. Derbi - This class had grown in leaps and bounds and is now fully sponsored by Vodacom. A big shout of thanks must go to Vodacom for their long term view of investing in young talent for motorcycle racing. This year has seen the class grow to 16 entrants as well as a good mix of male/female as well as young black entrants.
Superbikes - This class is now by far the largest field by entrants and provided the best entertainment of the day. With a field of 38 the start at the Midvaal Raceway was always going to be interesting. Clinton Sellar on his new 1000cc GSX-R Suzuki set a blistering pace chased hard by Gavin Lightfoot and Mike Dickenson. This is how the pack ended after 12 gruelling laps. Heat 2 saw the same charge of the light brigade again with Clinton Sellar taking the chequered flag. The trio at the front set some blistering lap times and we are awaiting the official times to see of any lap records were broken again.
600cc Silver Cup - The headbangers class always delivers on excitement. However this year it seems as if the guys are intent on doing some unwarranted argy bargy. Firstly a number of entrants were found to have illegal quick shifters (the regs are very specific about this) and secondly there was number of cases of unsportsman like conduct. Come on guys this the start to your career - there is no need to start it off by cheating and being unsportsman like. New to the class Allan-Jon Venter won both heats from start to finish and put on a very entertaining display of riding prowess last seen in a young Russell Woods.
BoTTS - This class suffered a small setback in the number of entrants due to some contestants becoming fathers and others concentrating on their business (and some on their sons). As this is the official Old Toppies class where the average age of rider is well into their Forties it comes as no surprise that the two heats were won by a teenage sensation - Julian Odendaal. Riding a well prepared Ducati 999R Julian romped home to take two well deserved wins - it always helps not having any responsibilities to contend with. EmTek Racing believes that Julian should secure the championship with ease this year as most of the stiff competition has moved over to Superbikes and Nationals. Both the EmTek Racing entrants were sporting new bikes in that Gilbert is now on a 999S and Andy has opted for the sweet handling Aprilia Factory. Gilbert has taken to his new Ducati like a duck to water and has immediately managed to go 1,5 seconds a lap quicker. Andy is still searching for the elusive setup but once found the Aprilia should be a force to be reckoned with.
50cc High School - This class has also grown over last year as more and more youngsters try their hand at motorcycle racing - we think that Valentino Rossi must have some influence on this. Some of these kids could not even touch the ground and had to be held at the start by their parents in order to get away. Young Cameron Saunders (yes our nephew and nephew to Dirk Odendaal of Oz fame) started off by not even knowing which way the track went at a 2m 40 sec lap. By the end of the second heat young Cameron acheived a 1min 50 sec lap - a jump of 50 seconds per lap (thanks to the support of Sheridan Morais, Dirk Odendaal (Xprocure), First Technology Racing and EmTek Racing). Royce Odendaal has stamped his authority on the class by taking the overall win for the day. Our prediction is that he is up for the championship.
VETERANS - Entries are hotting up for the Veterans Class for 2005. We have received a number of new entries and this is purely a fun class with its own regs - it does however not carry Championship status and there is a floating trophy on offer sonsored by iAdapt and Emtek Racing. Check out the page for the Regs and entry forms. For the other classes that have not been mentioned EmTek Racing would like for a spokesperson to send us some input from their class and we will publish this.
See you all at Midvaal 12th March 2005 for the second round of the Champioship.
Other News for 2005 EmTek Racing has been commissioned to race prepare the official First Technology Yamaha R1 of Sheridan Morias. Ricky has more than 20 years experience with Yamaha and in fact started his technical career with Yamaha straight after qualifying as an apprentice. EmTek will also bring the latest news as and when we receive it for the new National Superbike series as well as who rides for whom. At the time of writing we can only confirm the First Tech team as it stands being:
Once again thanks to Terry Moss Timing for the timing of the event. Gilbert Parsons
This page was last updated on 06-06-2008. |
