As the saying goes, dynamite comes in small packages – and few young sportsmen have had such an explosive start to their careers as 11-year-old Kabelo Ledwaba. Kabelo JNR, as he’s known, is already making waves in his chosen event, Motocross, and has been selected to represent South Africa at this month’s FIM Junior Motocross World Championships in Finland.
The final selection for the South African team to travel to Finland was made by Motosport South Africa (MSA) and comprises just 14 riders who will compete in the 65cc, 85cc and 125cc classes. Despite only having 3 years’ racing experience under his belt, Kabelo JNR has made the team ahead of some of his more experienced peers thanks to his natural ability, tenacity and track record of podium finishes in the South African Motocross Championships.
Kabelo JNR will be flying the flag in the 65cc class he first joined in the 2021 season after cutting his teeth in the 50cc class during his first year of racing.
His recent results more than justify his inclusion in the team, having secured a second-place finish at the Cape Town SA Motocross Nationals and another podium finish in Gqeberha, Port Elizabeth. His ambition and determination are underlined by the fact that during lockdown, he requested the construction of a training track so that he would not lose any of the progress he had made since taking up the sport.
His young age hasn’t prevented Kabelo JNR from already gaining valuable experience in racing on the very competitive European circuit. Earlier in 2022, he spent a month racing in France during which he came seventh overall in the French round of the European MX Championship.
Kabelo JNR will depart South Africa soon, heading to Austria first to fine-tune his skills and further familiarise himself with European racing conditions before the World Champs in Scandinavia on the 26th of August.
In addition to his other achievements, Kabelo JNR is also a Motul Powersport Ambassador, and the company is especially proud that he is attending the FIM Junior Motocross World Championships, as they are one of the principal sponsors of this major event.
“On behalf of everyone at Motul, I’d like to wish Kabelo JNR and his teammates every success at the World Championships,” commented Mercia Jansen, Motul Area Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean. “As an SA brand ambassador for Motul, Kabelo JNR embodies many of our brand values, as shown in his passion, his pursuit of excellence, and his determination. This event will give him the opportunity to gain invaluable experience which will contribute to a foreseeable successful career in Motocross,” she added.
To learn more about Kabelo’s achievements and racing goals, visit his website. To learn more about Motul’s range of high-quality oils and lubricants, visit – www.motul.com
