Eight-year-old Retief targets another win in Welkom
Young champ’s eye on coveted red plate
Nelson Mandela Bay motocross champion Aiden Retief has his sights on winning the third Motocross SA Championship event in Welkom on May 22.
A win in Welkom will see the eight-year-old Clarendon Park Primary School pupil achieve his goal to be awarded the esteemed red plate as the points leader.
Retief is in second position in the 50cc Pro result charts, after winning the second edition of the seven-part series of championship events at the Rover Motorcycle Club.
Out of the 28 boys from across SA in his race class, Retief came first.
The champion will be crowned at the end of 2021, based on their points from the seven events.
Retief, who is sponsored by the Cannabis Energy Drink SA team, 24/7 Race Fuels and KTM Port Elizabeth, said he was looking forward to winning at the next event.
“The race was difficult, there were a few fast riders that I had to pass.
“I think I might be able to beat them in the next race.
“I started racing four years ago on a Kiwi motorbike.
“At first I was just watching a lot of videos about Motocross and when I turned five years old my dad got me a little Kiwi so that is where it all started.
“I also used to ride with my dad on his motorbike at my grandpa’s farm.”
As part of his preparations for the third MX national event, Retief will take part in a local race on April 24 at the Rover Motorcycle Club.
There are a few areas he would like to work on to hopefully claim another winning race ahead of the Welkom event.
“I am trying to get really fast and keep my momentum around the corners, just try to stay wide so that nobody else passes me.
“I will work on improving on my starts and try to get the whole show.
“Also, I think I must try to keep up the good work.
“I would like to win in Welkom as well.
“If I get a good start I will probably be in front, but sometimes I get a bit nervous, hence the slow start,” he said.
Asked about any future plans, Retief said: “I would like to see myself ride at the top.
“I would also like to race internationally one day, in America to be exact, but my shortterm goal for now is to get the red plate.
“I am very excited to win the next championship.”