Zimpapers Logo

Collin Matiza-Sports Editor

THEY’RE saying it’s going to be a blockbuster! 

They’re also saying it’s going to be the biggest international motorsport event ever to be staged in Zimbabwe in the history of the sport. 

The organisers of this year’s Better Brands Petroleum Zimbabwe Summer Series motocross event have indicated that they have so far managed to sign up to 25 international riders from all over the world for this three-day event.

The Zimbabwe Summer Series is an annual event which marks the end of the motocross season in this country. 

It is usually held during the second week of December at Donnybrook Park in Harare and this year’s event has been slated for December 6, 8 and 10. 

The first two days will see riders fighting it out in Supercross (night racing) followed by a full day of some motocross racing on the final day of the series on December 10.

And according to Joe Tavares, who is part of this year’s Better Brands Petroleum Zimbabwe Summer Series, Zimbabwe is set to become part of the International Supercross and motocross calendar with a huge signing of many of the top International stars coming in December during a very busy racing schedule. 

Tavares of EMX Academy France and EHR Racing France has been mandated on behalf of Betterbrands Petroleum, the main title sponsors of this year’s Zimbabwe Summer, to use his International contacts to pull in some of the top current international riders to come down here for this big international motocross event.

Speaking recently to Zimpapers Sports Tavares said: “We have signed over 25 International riders from afar as Australia, China, Taiwan, UK, Belgium, USA, Italy and with the bulk of the riders coming from France. 

“Most of these riders have just returned from the WSX World SX Tour in Abu Dhabi over two weeks ago and Germany. 

“Just recently they took part in the prestigious “Paris Bercy SX International” and then they were off to Melbourne, Australia, then Lyon, France, and then (they will make their way to) Zimbabwe!

“Without the incredible support from Better Brands Petroleum this task would have been impossible, especially with regards to the necessary infrastructure and logistical support to co-ordinate this huge task. 

“These professional riders are flying in to Zimbabwe from dozens of airports and from many continents and we cannot wait to welcome them and show them what Zimbabwe has to offer.” 

Tavares also said many of the selected and invited riders are currently leading some of the current International series “and we cannot wait to see how they fare against some of the local talent from Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa”. 

“This will truly be an International event unlike ever seen in Zimbabwe before and even in terms of Africa. 

“The last time there was an International event of this level was over 15 years ago in South Africa but the unique thing about this race is we are also bringing in International Youth riders for the very first time ever to assist with grassroots development with a long-term plan in mind.” 

Last year, the Zimbabwe Summer Series attracted a couple of foreign riders from the UK but they were nowhere near any podium finish as the event was, as usual, dominated by racers from South Africa. 

At least 14 riders from South Africa have already confirmed their participation in this year’s Zimbabwe Summer Series. 

And it will be interesting to see how they will fare against a strong cast of foreign riders from overseas who are expected to spice-up this year’s Zimbabwe Summer Series.