Windhoek
Pee-wees and adrenaline-pumping action await those with nerves of steel and an affection for speed when round six of the Bank Windhoek Namibia National Enduro Championship, co-sponsored by Olympia Pharmacy and Multitrusses, resumes this weekend.
The Otjihase leg gets underway on farm Döbra in the Windhoek district, approximately 35km east of Windhoek. Motorsports enthusiasts are invited to attend this exciting event and enjoy the day out in a magnificent environment.
From Windhoek, the venue can be easily accessed by following the B6 in an eastern direction towards Gobabis for approximately 15km, then turning off to the Otjihase mine/Heja Lodge (D1527).
After driving towards the mine for approximately 14km, signs will guide visitors to the viewpoint close to the pit area.
The public are cautioned that the road from the mine gate to the pit area is not suitable for small passenger vehicles and it is advisable to drive with an all-wheel drive vehicle (LDV or SUV) to the race venue.
The Otjihase event will be the first for the championship and therefore the track will be new to competitors. The scenery is extremely diverse and ranges from the very broad riverbed to canyons, steep hills and other spectacular scenic views. As the national series enters race six of eight, the championship is becoming increasingly exciting.
In the national motorbike classes, Ingo Waldschmidt (KTM, Class 1), Henner Rusch (KTM, Class 2) and Sven Schneidenberger (KTM, Class 5) enjoy a fairly comfortable overall lead ahead of the second placed riders Pascal Henle (KTM, Class 1), Kai Hennes (KTM, Class 2) and Frank Ahlreip (KTM, Class 5).
The second placed riders will now have to increase the pressure on the leaders to stay in contention for the national championship.
In the clubman’s motorbike class (Class 7), the competition promises to continue to be a close affair between Gunnar Grasrainer (KTM, 74 points), Nickle Visser (Husaberg, 69 points) and Jürgen Gladis (KTM, 65 points).
Kurt Hartung (KTM) will continue to put pressure on Class 10 leader Peter Weber (KTM), after his victory in Abbabis a month ago. In the development class (Yamaha, Class 11), Lenny Bagwitz will seek to keep his clean unbeaten record.
In the quad categories, Uwe Brockmann (Honda) will be determined to further close the gap on overall championship leader Dimo Eloff (Honda) after his victory at Abbabis.
In the ladies quad class, championship leader Maike Bochert (Honda) will try to keep second-placed Shannon Rowland (Honda) at a distance to remain in control of the overall championship.
Registration and scrutineering for all Windhoek riders will take place on Thursday from 17:30 to 18:30 at Pupkewitz Honda. Saturday’s racing will start at 07:00 with documentation and technical control, with the first bike off the line at 9:30.
The Namibian Enduro Club offers quad and off-road motorbike enthusiasts the chance to enjoy enduro sport and encourages newcomers to join the club. For further information please consult the Namibian Enduro Club website www.namibianenduro.com, where more information and registration forms are available