The Red Bull KTM Team delivered a weekend of intense highs and tough setbacks as the third round of the South African National Motocross Championship took place at Rover MX in Port Elizabeth.
Luke Grundy and Trey Cox were the stars of the show, setting the track alight with standout performances across both the MX2 and High School classes. Grundy claimed a flawless 1-1 victory in the MX2 class, walking away with the overall win and taking hold of the coveted red plate for the first time in two years. He made a remarkable comeback in Moto 1 after a flinch at the gate saw him dead last off the start. A race restart gave him a second chance, and he grabbed it with both hands.
“I hit the gate at the start and had to work my way through the pack. After the restart, I pulled a decent start, got to the front early and rode a calm, solid race to take P1. Moto 2, I holeshot and managed another P1. Honestly, after limited riding since the last round because of rain, I wasn’t expecting this, it’s a dream come true to be holding the red plate in MX2,” said an elated Grundy.
Trey Cox wasn’t far behind, overcoming a string of tough starts and a heavy crash in Moto 1 of the High School class to rally back strong. He secured P1 overall in the High School class and celebrated a career-first MX2 overall podium with a second place in Moto 2.
“Bad starts all weekend made it hard, and a big crash in MX High School Moto 1 meant I was coming from the bushes to P3. But I’m absolutely buzzing to land my first ever MX2 overall podium and that P2 in Moto 2 was the cherry on top,” commented Cox.
Meanwhile, Cameron Durow was on pace to dominate both classes, setting the fastest qualifying times in MX1 and MX2, and comfortably claiming victory in the opening MX1 heat. However, disaster struck early in the MX2 race when he was thrown over the bars after an awkward landing, dislocating his shoulder.
“My day started perfectly. I felt amazing on the bike and took the MX1 win in Moto 1. In MX2, I got out front, but halfway through the lap, I hit a knuckle on a single and it kicked the rear wheel out. I tried to save it but went over the bars and dislocated my shoulder. I tried to pop it back in on track but had no luck, so we made the call to head to the hospital,” explained Durow.
Reflecting on the mixed weekend, Team Manager Kerim Fitz-Gerald shared his thoughts, “I’m incredibly proud of the way the team handled this round. Luke and Trey both rode with a lot of passion, and to see them leave with those results is something special. It’s tough to have a setback like Cam’s, especially when he was on such great form, but injuries are part of this sport. We’ll regroup, focus on recovery and come back swinging at the next one.”
The team will regroup and recharge ahead of the next round, carrying momentum from a weekend of bold rides and championship shifts.
