Photos by Lawrence Paiken/FatBoy Photography.
The thunder returned to Kyalami as the riders of the MRSSA lined up alongside the SAES series drivers for a great day of high-speed action.
22 bikes spread across six classes from 600cc screamers to thundering 1000cc machines the stage was set for pure two-wheeled warfare.
Race 1:
The front row was stacked: #50 Tristan Pienaar (1000 SBK) on pole, flanked by #52 Troy Tonking and #26 Oratilwe Phiri, both on 600 SBK machines.
When the lights dropped, it was Phiri who launched into second only to suffer an electrical glitch that plunged him to 14th. He mounted a solid recovery to finish 9th, but the drama had only just begun…
Out front, Pienaar was on another level blasting ahead and opening a gap with clinical precision. Behind him, Tonking was locked in a fierce duel with #110 Jordan King (Unlimited 1000), their machines snarling through corners just inches apart.
The midfield was no less intense, with shoulder-to-shoulder racing keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
In the end, Pienaar took a commanding victory. Tonking held off King to claim 2nd, with King rounding out the podium in 3rd.
Race 2:
Race 2 delivered drama. Pienaar launched like a missile off the line but just a few corners in, he lost the front and high-sided, ending his race in spectacular fashion.
With the 1000cc frontrunner out, it was time for the 600cc riders to shine. Phiri and Tonking lit up the track with a tense, edge-of-your-seat battle, trading positions and pushing their machines to the limit.
Down the final straight, they were bar-to-bar but it was Phiri who edged ahead at the line, stealing victory by the slimmest of margins. Tonking took a hard-fought 2nd, and King once again brought home 3rd.
Race 3:
After a frantic scramble in the paddock, Pienaar managed to repair his bike and make the grid just in time for Race 3. What followed was an absolute classic.
From the moment the lights went out, it was war, Pienaar and Tonking trading paint and positions, neither giving an inch.
At the chequered flag, it was Pienaar who emerged victorious, completing a remarkable comeback. Tonking was glued to his rear wheel and settled for a very close 2nd. Phiri crossed the line in 3rd, capping off a thrilling finale.
Overall Results.
600 SBK.
1st: #52 Troy Tonking
2nd: #26 Oratilwe Phiri
1000 SBK.
1st: #50 Tristan Pienaar
Unlimited 1000.
1st: #117 David Veringa
2nd: #110 Jordan King
3rd: #152 B. Mabaso
Masters.
1st: #27 Ryan Futter
2nd: #811 Robert Ferreira
BOTTS V4.
1st: #45 Leon Horn
2nd: #46 Alan Hulscher
3rd: #72 Mick Landi
Open Superbikes.
1st: #127 Clive Turnbull
2nd: #13 Aadil Adams
#106 Jhandre Fourie
With the standings tightening and rivalries heating up, all eyes turn to Zwartkops for Round 5 on October 11th. Expect more drama, more speed, and more action as the MRSSA championship battle continues!
