Round 1 of the South African National Motocross Championship delivered spectacular racing as the 2026 season roared to life at the Terra Topia MX Track. With unpredictable weather, deep ruts, and fierce competition, riders had to battle both the elements and each other in a dramatic opening round of the championship.
The day began with cool conditions after overnight rain soaked the circuit, turning the track into a muddy and highly technical challenge during practice sessions. But as the day progressed, the sun broke through and conditions changed dramatically. Deep ruts formed before the track dried out, eventually producing dusty sections that tested rider visibility and endurance.
Despite the tough conditions, competitors delivered world-class racing across all classes as the hunt for the coveted #1 championship plate officially began.
Intense Battles Across the Classes
Fans packed the fences at Terra Topia as the gates dropped across multiple categories including MX1, MX2, MX3, Ladies, High School, and junior divisions from 50cc to 85cc. The racing was intense from start to finish, with riders pushing their machines to the limit on one of Gauteng’s most demanding motocross circuits.
One of the standout performances came in the premier MX1 class, where Slade Smith dominated the day to secure the overall victory and an early championship advantage.
In the MX2 class, Cameron Durow delivered a strong performance to take the top step of the podium, while the Ladies category saw Mackenzie Bam claim victory after an impressive second moto win.
The junior classes also produced thrilling action, with young riders – some as young as five years old – fearlessly tackling the challenging circuit while proud families cheered from the sidelines.
Team Tork Craft Celebrates Strong Start
It was also a successful day for Team Tork Craft, which secured multiple podium finishes and two overall victories. Mackenzie Bam captured the Ladies title aboard her Husqvarna machine, while Slade Smith powered his Yamaha to a dominant double victory in the MX1 class.
Team riders also impressed in the junior ranks, with Rayden Woolls finishing second overall in the 85cc category after a strong heat performance.
Round 1 Results
MX1
- Slade Smith
- Cameron Durow
- Jayden Proctor
- Luke Grundy
- Ethan Hoffman
- Calum Marriott
- Mark James Carty
- Marco De Vrye
- Johan Vogelesang
- Scott Heygate
MX2
- Cameron Durow
- Trey Cox
- Jayden Proctor
- Slade Smith
- Luke Grundy
- Christian Berrington-Smith
- Trent Valsecchi
- Aiden Henley
- Tristan Durow
- Mark James Carty
MX3
- Brandon Wheeler
- Vincent Conlon
- Keegan Du Plooy
- Jonathan Du Plooy
- Morne Janse Van Rensburg
- Jason Hill
- Terence Monk
- Warrick Peeters
- Martin Beacom
MX Ladies
- Mackenzie Bam
- Jessica Osner
- Mienke Cawood
- Kelly Beetge
- Caitlin Parkes
- Zoe Botha
- Katelyn Pretorius
- Misha Bukes
- Genevieve Edwards
- Zoe Waldschmidt
High School
- Tristan Durow
- Caden Weise
- Trent Valsecchi
- Riley Rocher
- Kabelo Ledwaba
- Reinier van der Merwe
- Blake Frost
- Cruz Martin
- Ronald Graven
- Trenton Kretzmann
85cc
- Brody Bircher
- Rayden Woolls
- Aiden Retief
- Ross Mackenzie
- Lourens Erasmus
- Seth Van Der Walt
- Victor Nyamupfukudza
- Hanru Du Plessis
- Matt Griebenow
- Thomas Miller
65cc
- Riley Geldenhuys
- Luan Jordaan
- Trey Dean
- Richard Smith
- Coby Kretzmann
- Rohan Wessels
- Mikah Hendrickse
- Brayden Gareth Tucker
- Joshua-Zion Naude
- Reestin Rambo Bartlett
50cc
- Gianno Ferreira
- Nate Small
- Paul Graven
- Logan Fulton
- Casper De Mist Kruger
- Garry Hamer
- Damien Kritzinger
- Ryder Rehse
- Luke Celliers
- Noah Botha
MX3 Vets
- Brandon Wheeler
- Vincent Conlon
- Jonathan Du Plooy
- Morne Janse Van Rensburg
- Jason Hill
- Warrick Peeters
- Martin Beacom
MX3 Masters
- Terence Monk
MX Senior Support
- Jack Roche
- Arnold Erasmus
- Shane Steenkamp
- Keegan Van Der Linde
- Riccardo Caforio
- Alex Robinson
- Marriott Bezuidenhout
Next Stop: Thunder Valley
With Round 1 now complete, the championship heads to the next stop on the calendar — Thunder Valley MX in KwaZulu-Natal for Round 2 on 28 March 2026. With championship momentum already building, fans can expect another weekend of high-intensity motocross action.
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After a dramatic and demanding opening round at Terra Topia, the 2026 South African National Motocross Championship is officially underway — and if Round 1 is anything to go by, the season ahead promises unforgettable racing.