FUELLING HOPE! 

Rustenburg - In a thrilling display of off-road prowess and charitable spirit, 235 quad and bike riders revved up their engines for the fifth round of the Gauteng Xross Country Club (GXCC) 2023 Championship. But this race, hosted at a local Rhenosterfontein farm adjacent to the Waterval Shooting Range, had riders gunning for more than a win as they joined forces in the fight against breast cancer.

GXCC Racing, the driving force behind the annual GXCC Club Championship and Motorsport South Africa (MSA) Northern Regions Cross Country Championships, transformed this event into a symbol of solidarity. The October race has earned its reputation as the ‘Pink Race,’ drawing attention to the crucial cause of breast cancer awareness.
Riders of all genders and various engine capacities took to the track, each competing in their respective classes. For round five of the championship, participants and their pit crews were invited to purchase socks online from ‘ILoveBoobies,’ a non-profit company dedicated to providing free breast examinations to South African women facing financial, locational, or social barriers to healthcare access.

The GXCC championship is a magnet for riders from across South Africa and neighbouring countries like Lesotho, Zambia, and Botswana. From 5-year-old prodigies to seasoned 64-year-old racers, the age diversity among competitors added to the event’s charm.

A special ‘Pink Ladies’ class welcomed women who don’t typically race, emphasizing the event’s dedication to breast cancer awareness and inclusion.

The racecourses challenged participants’ mettle, with juniors and Pink Ladies conquering a 14 km loop, while senior bikers and quad enthusiasts embarked on laps of 48 km.

“The pink race is always a very special occasion for the GXCC community. Breast cancer and cancer, in general, have had such a devastating impact on so many lives. By racing in pink, we support the fighters, admire the survivors, honour the angels, and never, ever give up hope,” said GXCC secretary Miranda du Plessis. The GXCC championship’s grand finale is set for 25 November in Carletonville where our local riders will compete for final podium position. For more information, visit www.gxccracing.co.za.

Congratulations to some of our local riders
Bikes: 
Bradley Burrell: OR2 Professional 3rd place 
Burrie Smit:  OR1 Pro-Amateur 1st place 
Henno Van Niekerk: OR1 Pro-Amateur 7th place
Jaco Naudé: OR2 Pro-Amateur 5th place 
Marcel Beauzec: OR2 Rookie 2nd place 
Ruan Terblanche: Senior Leisure 6th place 

Quads: 
Albert Etsebeth: Q Leisure Quads 1st place
Ivano vd Mescht: Q Leisure Quads 3rd place 
Wynand Swart: Q Leisure Quads 4th place 
Franco Pretorius: Q1 3rd place