For the January 2023 issue, we decided to rope in as many of the 2022 champs as we could, meet the at the Redstar venue and have a good chinwag about the season and their expectations for the new year… Just about everyone jumped at the opportunity to come out, have a chat and put in a few laps, compliments of Ridefast and The Redstar Raceway. Road Racing is alive and kicking in SA and there is some great talent coming through for sure. We’ll pop a vid up of all the chats on our You-Tube channel.
Extreme Honda racing teams Clint Seller:
For the first chat of the day, we roped in SA 1000cc championship winner King Price Extreme Honda racing teams Clint Seller. Clint is one of South Africa’s most seasoned campaigners with 10 championships to his name. 9 South African, and he won the American Endurance championship a few years ago. That’s mighty impressive.
RF: “How was the year?”
CS:“22 was the second year on the Honda. This year we came in with a better understanding of the Honda package and as a result, we almost won every race for the ’22 season. I literally lost 1 heat! Other than that it’s been my most dominant year ever in racing. It was quite special!”
RF: “You raced overseas a bit this year?”
CS: “Yep we went across to do a road race in Germany in a town called Froberg. We raced farm roads at 200KPH plus! I ended up liking it a lot more than I thought I would. On the Thursday prior to the race I was checking it all out and chatting to my wife… maybe this is a mistake, it just seemed really dangerous, how do I get out of it now!” “But when I rode the bike there, it was really easy and I had a lot of fun.”
RF: “IOM on the cards?”
CS: “No. but, there are a couple of races like this that I’d like to try out next year, I’m chatting to my team over there and I’ll keep you guys posted.”
RF: “Plans for 2023?”
CS: “From the team side, we carry on with the Honda CBR 1000RR and I think we still have a little bit more to tap on this bike. I reckon we can go even faster, which is a bit scary. From a team perspective we have Leungo Gaorekwe on the 600 again, he’ll be pushing for the title which is important for the team, he rides so well. These young guys are now my biggest passion and watching how far he and Cayden Robert have come is rewarding. I like winning championships, but guiding and mentoring is just as important to me. We are also going to try and field a second CBR with classic racer Paul Jacobs from Honda South Africa in the saddle. The idea is that you don’t have to be a top national rider to run on a CBR. The bike is perfect for riders of all levels. Paul will be in the Masters class of the MRSSA series.”
Paul Jacobs: It’s great to have a professional outfit like King Price team representing our brand and we have seen this in the increase in CBR sales. Big thanks to all the sponsors – guys without you guys we cannot race and we really appreciate it!”
ZX10 Cup Champ, Graeme Van Breda was up next:
RF: “Jason Van Breda. Is that a name we need to get used to? Tell us a little bit about your year.”
JvB: “It’s been a great year with all the racing. My best year in the short circuit series. Unfortunately I missed one of the races this year at Idube – I had a swimming gala to attend, but this year, the racing was big for me!”
RF: “When did you start riding?”
JvB: “I started riding at about 4, my dad used to take me to Rock Raceway and teach me how to keep it pinned down the straights. I started in mini moto, moved up to the NSF 100 class and then I went on to the 65’s.
That’s where I learned to race and pass, This year it was 85’s and 150’s for me.”
RF: “You had some serious competition this year – it didn’t all go your way?”
JvB: “Definitely, good racing, the class is so competitive and there are some quick guys out there.”
RF: “Who is your favorite racer?”
JvB: “Brad Binder. Marc Marques.”
11 year old Jason van Breda 2022 85cc short circuit champ:
RF: “Jason Van Breda. Is that a name we need to get used to? Tell us a little bit about your year.”
JvB: “It’s been a great year with all the racing. My best year in the short circuit series. Unfortunately I missed one of the races this year at Idube – I had a swimming gala to attend, but this year, the racing was big for me!”
RF: “When did you start riding?”
JvB: “I started riding at about 4, my dad used to take me to Rock Raceway and teach me how to keep it pinned down the straights. I started in mini moto, moved up to the NSF 100 class and then I went on to the 65’s.
That’s where I learned to race and pass, This year it was 85’s and 150’s for me.”
RF: “You had some serious competition this year – it didn’t all go your way?”
JvB: “Definitely, good racing, the class is so competitive and there are some quick guys out there.”
RF: “Who is your favorite racer?”
JvB: “Brad Binder. Marc Marques.”
Running In The Family:
And then we got both Van Breda’s as Graeme wandered over:
RF: “Racings a family affair in the Van Breda Clan. How does it feel to have two champs in the house?
Both: “Feels great!”
RF: “Jason, how do you balance school and racing and swimming, we are pretty sure lots of moms out there are asking that question…
JvB: “Well mom helps with school, dad helps with all the sport. It’s a team effort!”
RF: “Graeme you must be proud! Your dad (Les) was a champ, and now the baton gets handed down.”
GvB: “It’s so lekker, great to hand it along the way that my dad handed down to me. My dad actually had a lot to do with Jasons roots and he’s making us super proud.”
RF: “Jason – any chance of you taking over the family bike shop one day? (Van Breda Racing)?”
JvB: “There’s a high chance of that!” He replied with a grin.
RF: “Jason any last words?”
JvB: “Big thanks to my family and my team and a big special thanks to Uncle Peter who has helped me through the whole year! To all our sponsors thank you and a huge thank you to my Grandad who is in heaven now! Thanks for teaching me so much and always looking after me!”
Kayden Roberts – 2022 NSF 100 Champ:
KR: “It took a while to get here but we did it! The feeling is indescribable!
RF: “How long have you been racing for young man?”
KR: “Since 2014 when I was six! It’s been a while!”
RF: “How was your’22 season?”
KR: “The beginning wasn’t too great, I had a crash and ended up with stitches in my lower leg, so I missed the next two races – but I managed to get back on for the rest of the season.”
RF: “When did you actually start riding and what advice do you have for anyone who wants to enter the class?”
KR: “I started in 2014 on the pocket bikes at Zwartkops. Anyone who wants to join – don’t be scared, just come and ride, you’ll learn a lot! It’s fun!”
RF: “What are your future plans? What do you have in mind?”
KR: “Hopefully we can make it to Moto GP. Race overseas, get a ride on Moto 3 and make my way up – that’s the main goal.”
RF: “Favourite racer?”
KR: “The Binder Brothers of course! And they started on the NSF’s.”
RF: “2023 – what are your plans?”
KR: “150’s and long circuit on the R3 and we hold thumbs for a wild card ride overseas in September.”
All about the NSF Cup. Grass Roots Racing:
We caught up with Neil Harran, young Savanna Woodward and a few rug rats who race in the NSF cup for a quick chat: Neil Harran is the brains behind the operation.
NH: “Not so many brains, but lots of passion!” he grins. “The programme has been running for 15 years. Originally a joint venture between Honda South Africa and SAMRA, The South African Motorcycle Racing Academy. Honda brought out 13 bikes originally to start with a rider training programme. Neil Forbes and I put forward a proposal to run the programme. That was in 2008. It’s a damn good programme for the kids.The bikes are all identical, nobody rides the same bike two races in a row.”
RF: It’s an affordable way of racing:
NH: “It’s not about who has the deepest pockets, these kids all get equal chance to nibble at the cake.”
And he glows about the NSF 100’s:
NH: “In 15 years, we’ve never opened an engine! We’ve never done the forks. It’s only ever maintenance and crash damage. About 3 years ago, we set the tappets, and 15 years later they still don’t skip a beat!”
Savanna started in the NSF cup way back in 2011. She is still actively involved, mentoring the youngsters.
SW: “It’s all about helping kids to become better racers and riders. We start up where the kids come in and learn to ride and control the bikes. What the flags mean, what to look out for, and as they get faster, we get them into the racing.”
We chatted to some of the kids who were there. Emily Wilson is the only girl in the current crop of riders in the series. “I’m having lots of fun!” she beams shyly.
Her brother Oliver explains: “My sister and I started riding earlier this year, our first race was right here at Redstar in November and it was such a fun experience. We won’t talk about how I did, but I beat my sister and that’s what counts!”
“No hang on chirps Neil, Emily actually beat Oliver earlier this year!” Big laughs all round. It’s about the sheer fun of riding.
NSF champ Kayden Roberts was also in on the chat. When we asked Oliver about how fast he is, Oliver says that he just got lucky! It’s a great start to the sport that is racing motorcycles, and it works. Just ask the Binder Brothers.
More info: facebook.com/samra.south.africa
’22 Short Circuit Motard Champ Aston Nesbitt:
RF: “Tell us a bit about your year.”
AN: “It was a bit of a rocky start, getting acquainted with all the competitors. But we got into the rhythm and it was pretty smooth sailing for the year. We had some great competition serious racing, lots of Argey Bargey, but that’s what racing Motards is all about. The end of the year turned out to be great!”
RF: “Our opinion. Motard racing is probably the most exciting form of road racing to watch!”
AN: “That’s the way it feels too. I’d say that, the way it looks, it feels about ten times more hectic than that. It can be crazy!”
RF: “Motard racing is one of the cheaper forms of road racing?”
AN: “I think so, basically you can pitch on a stock bike and you’ll already be
competitive. The only manufacturer Motards are the Husqvarna’s and the KTM’s. They slip straight into this series. The rules for this year is pipe, quick shifter and a mapped ECU, with just those 3 things, you are on a par with the top guys bikes.”
RF: So I have an old WR 450 in the garage and I want to get out there – how does it all work?
AN: “So there’s the thing, we welcome everyone. For instance, I do setup on the bikes and at the series everyone is really helpful. Guys like AN racing can get the bike set up for you. Wheels, gearing to get going and later on if the bug bites, you can buy an “Off the shelf” Motard”
RF: “When did you start racing? How many championships so far?”
AN: “I started in 2012 – and I have won championships, but nothing as prestigious as this! Pocket bikes, scooters, but the competition in motards is much fiercer. This year I had a competitive bike a great training partner and saddle time and new tyres for each race. It makes a big difference!”
RF: “Plans for next year?”
AN: “Build on the Short circuit series. Attract more riders, come on down and have a look guys, there’s a spot and a class for anyone who wants to race!”
Ryan van Nieuwkerk: 2022 CBR150 Champion:
RF: “Ryan, you were actually brought in to teach Aston to go faster…”
RvN: “Ya it looks like my efforts have paid off! Aston has helped me a lot with bike prep and training and all sorts this year!”
RF: “So Ryan, where did it all start for you?”
RvN: “Probably about 10 years ago, my dad rode and he got me in to riding pocket bikes. And it went from there.”
RF: “And now you’re the 150 champ, has the bug bitten? Are you going to keep racing?”
RvN: “Yup, it seems like it! I also have a 400, so we are looking at doing some long circuit racing too!” this year was mainly 150’s it’s a smaller class but it’s really competitive. I’m one of the physically bigger riders in the class so it was great to win it this year!”
RF: “Ryan tell us a bit about your background when did you start riding, what have you raced and what does the future hold.”
RvN: “I started in the short circuit series, fron pocket bikes, through the NSFS, 50’, 65’s, 85s and then 150’s. next year – 400 and super excited for that!”
RF: “Parting shot: Opinion. What does it take to be a champ?”
RvN: “Most people think it’s just about riding and saddle time – but in my opinion, its more than that. It’s about knowing and understanding your bike. Understanding what’s happening and how you can adjust it to suit your riding style.”
F2 Classic Champ for 2022: Mike McSkimming:
M.McS: “If you’re not having a good time… don’t come!”
RF: “Mike Mc Skimming, great season! Tell us all about it!”
M.McS: “It’s been great! I missed a couple of rounds because of commitments abroad but the bike was great and it all worked out this year.”
RF: “It seems that everyone that we have spoken to has missed round or two… and yet they go on to win?”
M.McS: “Yes the standard in Classic racing is really high! Some people arrive and think they are going to show us how it’s done and they get surprised!”
RF: “With the bikes getting older, you race an old Katana, who is looking after them… and are parts easy to come by?”
M.McS: “I do a lot of the maintenance and preps, I have a little workshop at home. Parts I find that Suzuki has a vintage parts programme and parts for the older Kawa’s and Yamaha’s are still around. I have a few connections in the UK too, so it can be tricky, but we do find. And what we don’t find, we make ourselves.”
RF: “Let’s say I have an old bike lurking in the shed and I want to come out and race, how would it all work?”
M.McS: “In our group we have guys that are really quick and we have guys who are not so fast. But we also have what we call an F4 Group, a non-race group, so you can bring whatever you have and see what it’s all about. And as you get better you can move up into the racing classes. No politics and where someone battles, everyone climbs in and helps out!”
RF: “Plans for 2023?”
The first two rounds are end Jan and early Feb at the Classic TT . I work abroad with some of the classic teams, so I’ll be back and forth, generally – same old same ols, we aim to keep classic racing alive!
RF: “Classic racing is busy?”
M.McS: “The class is growing – we get guys joining all the time – four classes – the F4 like we said, F3 750 class up to 1989 and the two strokes can join them. The F2’s are classic bikes up to ’83. The F1 class is for bikes up to ’89. And then there’s a new class joining us – for bikes up to ’99. We brought that in in order to accommodate the racers from abroad.”
F3 Classic Champ Sakkie Pottas:
RF: “Sakkie, F3 champ for 2022, how cool is that?”
SP: “Very, very cool! I’ve been racing for four years, started out in the F3 two strokes only class and then moved up to 750’s on my Slingshot because the two stroke couldn’t keep up.”
RF: “Chat to us about the racing, chatting to Mike, it’s not just a Sunday ride, there is still lots of actual racing that goes on.”
SP: “I think it’s like racing with your mates! All competitive, but it’s a nice group of people and everyone climbs in to help each other after the race, so if there’s a breakdown, everyone works to get the bike back on to the track. It’s social, but very competitive.”
RF: “Advice for anyone wanting to come and race the series?”
SP: “Come out and enjoy! Get your bike onto the track. There is lots of wisdom in this group – but step one is just to get here – it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are!”
RF: “Plans for 2023?”
SP: “There might be an opportunity for me to move up but for now, the plan is to stick in the F3 class.”
Classic TT of South Africa:
Back to back, 28th January 2023 at Phakisa and Redstar 1st weekend of February 2023. It’s based on family days, they are planning a car show, Bike show, Skid pan, Raffles and giveaways. Bring n Braai. And lots of spectacular Racing! Every year, the classic guys have an international, where the overseas guys come out and race against our lot. And there are some top guns in there:
James Hillier. Michael Dunlop (yes that one!). Howard Selby. Steve Parish. Alan Duffus, Team classic Suzuki with some of their machines and many other famous names. At the moment, SA is 2.0 up because one of our bikes beat them last time out and then Mike McSkimming went across there to work at the IOM and they won that one too. Now the overseas guys are hungry for revenge. The local guys are waiting for them. Some great machines are coming too, Michael Dunlop’s SRAD, and a couple of XR69’s, Some faster ZXR’s. What a cool way to kick off 2023! We look forward to seeing you there!
More details: classicsuperbikeracing.co.za
