SA Motocross Nationals 2017 Round 4: Kerim Fitz -Gerald

Kerim Fitz-Gerald got his first bike, a PW50, when he was 4 years old. “When I first got it I wouldn’t ride it,” he jokes. “I kept it in my bedroom and used to start it and rev it.” Eventually his Dad convinced him to take it to the track and he started his first race that same year, finishing third. Sports reporters know him as the ‘usual suspect’ – the guy who will always be in the mix for a podium finish. His peers know him as a fiercely competitive racer with a wealth of international experience to count on. As with all true champions he manages these perceptions and make sure he lives up to them, but remains super humble and easy-going away from the racetrack. From doing local races he graduated to the Nationals and won the 3-4 years class, then the 5-6 years, and then 7-8 years, all on the PW50s. He remembers that even back then he didn’t want to do anything else, ever. He the moved up to 60cc class for the 9-11 years class and won the second year competing in that class. In 2006 he claimed the 125cc Pro Class. Other career highlights include twice finishing in the top-ten in the Canadian MX2 East National Championship (2007-08). Fitz-Gerald raced both MX1 and MX2 in 2013, winning the MX1 MSA National Championship and finishing second in MX2’s. He also finished second in WOMZA in the MX2 championship and 3rd in the MX1 championship. In 2014 Fitz-Gerald won the National MX2 Championship title in one of the most fiercely-contested seasons on record. “Winning this one was really important to me,” he says. “Last year I lost it by two or three points and in 2012 I lost it due to bike failure in the last race after having a good points lead, so to get the championship back this year was awesome and probably one of the most important championships I have.” Fitz-Gerald also lists working on the three-part Red Bull My Track project with Anthony Raynard and Bradley Cox as a highlight of the year. The project saw hand-picked up-and-coming regional MotoX racers get insights into just what it takes to ride pro – from being in the saddle on the track, to physical training, nutrition and media responsibilities. In 2015 Fitz-Gerald will be racing MX1 and MX2 in both MSA and WOMZA championships and his goal is simple: to win all four titles Championship Titles.