Fun & family as big as winning for Kawasaki Factory team
KAWASAKI READY FOR VICTORY, FUN IN ‘23
Multiple championship winning Pepson Plastics Factory Kawasaki Racing with Motul, Gilbert Mining, Scottish Cables, Michelin, Acerbis, Renthal, DID and Arai, is limbering up to a fresh season of Cross Country Racing in South Africa. The team has assembled a strong team of riders and machinery across the classes to chase fun and victory in 2023.
The biggest 2023 Kawasaki Cross Country news sees 2022 South African National High School champion Wian Wentzel stepping up to the 250cc OR3 class. The fast and consistent youngster switches to Kawasaki for the 2023 season aboard a lone Pepson Plastics Factory KX 250 X in a move that will have the class regulars looking over their shoulders.
He joins fellow SA champion, Seniors’ man Kenny Gilbert, who continues for a second season aboard a Pepson Plastics Factory KX 450 X alongside circuit car race star Lee Thompson on a KX 250 X. The senior team is rounded off by another man better known for his car racing exploits, team boss Iain Pepper who will be racing in the Masters’ class.
Jaycee Nienaber, who made steady progress through the 2023 season will continue in the premier class OR1 aboard a Pepson Plastics Factory Kawasaki KX 450 X alongside last year’s teammate Wade Den. They will be joined by Kawasaki OR3 graduate Taki Bogiages, who ended fourth in that championship in ‘22 and is looking forward to stepping up to the big class.
Pepson Plastics Kawasaki Factory Racing will also continue in the Junior classes, where Jake Pretorius joins Nathan Sinclair in 85cc Junior. Human brothers Clayton and Dylan race 85cc Juniors, where the team will also support Jayden Boyce in the GXCC races.
“Pepson Plastics Factory Kawasaki Racing is looking forward to another strong season of Cross Country racing with a powerful line-up of riders and bikes,” team principal Iain Pepper concluded. “Although we aim to win and we will not pull any punches, winning is not everything for us. “We also thrive on our strong family orientation and having fun.
“It is also important that we blood the sport through our junior rider program and to help kids progress from privateer to factory riders. “We are also looking forward to continuing that ethos into our third season as Pepson Plastics Factory Kawasaki Racing. “So, here’s to another very good year – let’s do this, go get it guys!”
*Pepson Plastics Factory Kawasaki races with Motul lubricants, Gilbert Mining, Scottish Cables, Reinhardt Transport, Michelin tyres, Acerbis plastics, Renthal handlebars, DID chains and Arai helmets.