Words: BendedSpoon Media
On 28th February Toni competed in the first round of the Monster Energy South African National Motocross Championship held at Holeshot Harry’s in Harrismith. Toni has committed to the whole national MX season to get the extra practice and work on her speed.
Photo credit: Brodalka Photography
Toni was confident to try the MX2 class but would make a final decision after practice in the morning. It turned out to be a real eye opener for her to see the pace and intensity of the MX2 riders. She made a decision to rather race in the ladies class, which was combined with the MX3 and Senior Support riders. The ladies class had surprised everyone by drawing 7 entries, with Toni making number 8.
The first race was full of excitement. Toni didn’t get a great start but she managed to work through the pack and move to the lead amongst the ladies. She then pulled a nice gap that saw her take the win in heat one.
Heat two wasn’t as kind as a bad start left Toni once again fighting her way almost from the back of the pack. She managed to catch up to second behind her team mate Natasha Rugani. The two diced for first for at least half of the race but Natasha managed to block every attempt Toni made to pass.
“She knew all my moves from training together, there was no way I could get past” laughed Toni at the end of the race. The second place left Toni and Natasha tie on points but with Natasha taking the overall win for the day due to the heat two win.
Toni would like to congratulate Natasha on her win. She could not be more proud of her teammate. Toni would like to say well done and a massive thank you to all the ladies that raced and she hopes to see you all in Cape Town for the second round.
Toni heads to the first round of the 2015 SA Liquorland National Enduro Motorcycle Championship this weekend. The event is a double header with a race on Saturday and Sunday in Creighton, KZN.
Toni Jardine is supported by the following sponsors: Mr.Move Worldwide Botswana, WM Digital Solutions, Yamaha, EVS, EKS Brand, Cycra, DRD, Maxima Racing Oils, Dunlop, Hydrapak, JT Racing, Solid Decals, Pure Athlete Performance, 32Gi, Just 1 Helmets, Nithrone and Hayward Suspension.
Thanks to Motorsport South Africa (MSA), Women in Motorsport (WIM) and Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) for their continued support.