ONE of Zimbabwe’s top junior motocross riders Emile Croisette will once again be conspicuous by his absence during the sixth and final round of the 2023 Bogwheelers Club Zimbabwean National Motocross Championship series at Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare on Sunday.
Collin Matiza Sports Editor
The 14-year-old talented dirt bike rider recently returned to Zimbabwe from his annual six-month sojourn in the United States where he was preparing to race in this year’s AMA National Championship series which led to his qualification for the finals of this prestigious event which are held annually at Loretta Lynn’s family ranch at Hurricane Hills in Tennessee.
It is known as the world’s largest amateur motocross race meeting. It is also the final stop for amateurs before they join the professional ranks.
In fact the AMA Motocross Championship (commercially known as Lucas Oil Pro Motocross) is an American motorcycle racing series.
The motocross race series was founded and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1972. The series is the major outdoor motocross series in the United States and is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing and managed by MX Sports Pro Racing.
And young Zimbabwean rider Croisette, whose father Joe is of French origin, wrote his own piece of history when he managed to qualify for the finals of the 2023 AMA Motocross Championship series.
Emile did himself and the nation proud by qualifying to race in two categories – Mini Senior and Super Mini – at the AMA National Championship finals which were held from July 31 to August 6.
In the Mini Senior he finished in 28th position out of 42 riders and in the Super Mini he had some bad luck and came 34th out of 42 bikers which was not bad at all for the young Zimbabwean rider who was making his debut appearance at this prestigious event.
In fact, Emile became the first motocross rider from Zimbabwe and the second of the French origin to qualify for the AMA National Championship finals in the United States.
And despite this phenomenal achievement by this talented young rider, his father, Joe, said he still wants his son to take a long break from motocross after what he said was a demanding stay for him in the United States thus his decision to miss this Sunday’s final round of the National Motocross Championship series at Donnybrook.
Joe Croisette also said their bike was still in South Africa for some maintenance.
“Unfortunately, the bike had a mechanical issue a few weeks ago and I had to send it to South Africa as it was on warranty and it is still in South Africa.
“So, this means Emile is, unfortunately, out of this weekend’s final round of the National Motocross Championship series at Donnybrook.
“We would have loved him to race at Donnybrook on Sunday but he can’t because of circumstances beyond our control.
“Emile enjoys racing at Donnybrook and the track there is one of his favourite tracks in the world.
“I’m also currently in France following the Rugby World Cup and this makes it impossible for us to be there in Zimbabwe for Sunday’s race meeting,” Joe Croisette told Zimpapers Sports from Paris, France, yesterday.
While Emile Croisette can’t make it for Sunday’s event, another top junior motocross rider, Emmanuel Bako, will once again be back riding at this exciting event.
Bako’s father and manager, Brighton “Bucks” Bako, confirmed yesterday that his son will be at Donnybrook on Sunday fighting for the top honours in the 125cc and MX2 classes.
“We will be at Donnybrook racing big time and Emmanuel is looking forward to it as the race track has changed and he is happy about that.
“It will be all systems go on Sunday and motocross fans should expect some fireworks from him,” Brighton Bako said.
On Sunday, Emmanuel Bako is set to resume his rivalry in the 125cc and MX2 classes with fellow talented rider Daiyaan “D” Manuel who is just a joy to watch on the track at Donnybrook.
Sunday will see two of South Africa’s top senior riders, Joshua and Jonathan Mlimi, gracing the occasion as guest riders.
Joshua competes in the main MX1 Class while Jonathan rides in the MX2 Class.
The Mlimi brothers are already in Harare preparing for this Sunday’s event at Donnybrook.
There are 10 different classes to be contested in during the final round of the 2023 Bogwheelers Club National Motocross Championship series at Donnybrook on Sunday.
Taking place at the iconic motocross track at this famous motorsport venue in Harare, admission stands at US$5, with Under-14s gaining free entry.
There will be full bar and catering.
Racing on Sunday starts at 9am.
The motocross track at Donnybrook was recently upgraded by the Orca Group and Gordan Watson ahead of this Sunday’s race meeting and the Zimbabwe Summer Series which has been slated for December 6, 8 and 10.
