07 Mar 2022

In the absence of Botswana’s flagship motorsport event, the Toyota Desert race fondly known as Mantshwabisi, Gaborone Motorclub (GMC) cushioned the void and hosted an off road championship season opener Saturday March 5.

The race dubbed Metsimotlhabe 200 was set to be more thrilling around the scenic Metsimotlhabe River’s tight and muddy track.

Speaking on the sidelines of the race, GMC spokesperson Kagiso Stephens, said this was the first club championship race, which included three categories motorbikes, quads and cars.

After an impressive campaign at last week’s motocross event at Melo Park premier, OR 1 class rider Wade Den opened the season with victory in Metsimotlhabe.

Den had an arguably unforgettable start to the 2022 off-road championship as he stormed to an overall win in his premier class ahead of reputable riders Vincent Crosbie and Aadil Jada on second and third spot respectively.

Fresh from a resounding victory in Oodi Den lined up for the off-road challenge with a target on his back.

He never had it on a silver platter though as he finished just 18 seconds before Crosbie arrived.

All the riders in the closely contested premier class set off with blistering pace and all looked set for victory.

At the end of the eighth lap Den’s determination and grit was rewarded with a hard earned finish.

In the OR 2 class Boineelo Rantao finished first ahead of James Kleyhans, Anton Henriksen and Stephens who filled the remainder of the podium places in order of appearance.

Youthful sensation Kosmas Mamaloukos continued his impressive run as he clocked 2 hours 59 minutes and 25 second to wrap up victory in the OR 3 class ahead of Victor Toit.

In the OR 4 class Lebea Sephuma outclassed enterprising rider Lepsy Sephuma.

In the quad bike division Roshan Noble pushed his way to the front of the pack and finished ahead of Talha Bajwa and Randeep Chahal.

Stephens said they planned to incorporate cars in the off-road challenge to bring spectators back to the terrains.

He said they wanted to focus on the production car class due to its popularity.

There was loop for minors who competed in the nine kilometres circuit. Ends