A new venue for World Championship Motocross - Nelspruit - awaits Team Teka Suzuki WMX1 riders Steve Ramon and Ken De Dycker at this weekend's Grand Prix of South Africa - round 10 of the 15 round series.
After putting in a good ride at the Swedish GP two weeks ago, reigning MX1 World Champion Ramon closed to within 12 points of the series leader David Philippaerts and enters the South African race hungry to close the gap even further.
"My riding is going good at the moment, my factory Suzuki is going good and I'm feeling fit and strong so I know I can do well in South Africa," says Ramon. "I don't know what the track will be like but for me it will be one like any other - it's there to be ridden and will be the same for everyone. I'll be looking to take more points from Philippaerts and also Coppins and I'm looking forward to the race."
De Dycker's weekend in Sweden wasn't quite so impressive as his team-mate's but he remains upbeat as he knows his speed on the factory RM-Z450 is good enough to win if things go right for him in Nelspruit.
"I'm really motivated to do well," says De Dycker. "My bike is going well, I'm feeling good and I really want to make up for some of the points I lost earlier in the year. I'm fourth in the championship now but it's still possible for me to improve and there are some good races coming up for me on heavy tracks. I'm not sure what the Nelspruit circuit will be like but everything is in place for me to do well and that's what I want to do."
Rain is forecast in the run up to this weekend's race with the temperature in the Nelspruit area a very comfortable 20 degrees Celsius. The Nelspruit circuit is situated 200 miles East of Johannesburg in the North East of South Africa.
RAISING funds for charity can often be a struggle, but now Rockingham in Northamptonshire has come up with an innovative way for charities to fundraise and attract new sponsors.
The circuit has pledged to donate £1,000 for every Rockingham Masterclass team booked in association with a charity to help raise money and win over potential funders for their good causes.
All the charity has to do is persuade benefactors to take a team on an action-packed driving day. There is no mess, no pain, just a day of pure adrenalin-fuelled fun for their sponsor, guaranteed to provide a memorable experience
The amazing Masterclass day includes driving the fantastic new 380bhp race-prepared V8 Supercar alongside the Ferrari 360 and Porsche 911. Participants will also test their nerve in a single seater on the famous Rockingham oval and get behind the wheel of a Group N rally Focus.
It's the perfect way for a company to enhance their status, win new business or to express the regard in which they hold guests or staff. There are 12 places on each Masterclass team, and the driving days must be booked and taken in 2008.
Rockingham’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Charlotte Orton, said: “We are inundated with requests from charities and good causes asking for our support, but unfortunately we are not in a position where we can help everyone.
“We wanted to come up with a new and exciting initiative to help charities, nationally and locally, to improve their fundraising strategies. We hope this fresh approach will attract new benefactors and maximise the return from existing partners.
“Rockingham is Europe's fastest racing circuit, a modern facility opened in 2001, the perfect showcase for stunning driving days and a great way to impress a potential backer. We will supply all the essential information to help deliver a successful event.”
For more information or to book a Masterclass team and raise money for your charity contact the Rockingham Sales Team on 01536 271273.
