There are race weekends that produce champions, and then there are race weekends that become part of a country’s sporting history. The return of MXGP to South African soil after an 18-year absence was one of those moments.
Long before the gate dropped and the world’s fastest motocross riders launched into the first corner, there was already something special in the air. Families filled the spectator banks, lifelong fans proudly wore the colours of their favourite riders and brands, and children stared wide-eyed at factory race bikes they had previously only seen on television or online. For many, this wasn’t just another event on the motorsport calendar; it was a reunion with a sport they had missed for nearly two decades.
Motocross has always had a passionate following in South Africa. We produce talented riders, our local championships continue to thrive, and weekends are spent at circuits around the country where the smell of race fuel and the sound of revving engines are as familiar as the conversations in the pits. But for many years, the pinnacle of the sport remained something we watched from afar.
This past weekend, that world came back to us
Of course, the racing delivered exactly what fans had hoped for. Belgium’s Lucas Coenen continued his outstanding season with a commanding double victory in the MXGP class, while Spain’s Guillem Farrés claimed overall honours in MX2 after another polished performance. The world’s best riders reminded everyone why MXGP represents the pinnacle of motocross competition.
The championship also showcases the technical partnerships that help keep the world’s best riders and machines performing at their peak. As the Official Lubricant Partner of MXGP, Liqui Moly supports the championship with the high-performance lubricants and technical expertise demanded by elite motocross. It’s a partnership built on shared values of performance, reliability and engineering excellence—qualities that are tested every time the gate drops.
South African fans also had plenty of reason to cheer. Triumph Racing’s Camden McLellan carried the home hopes in MX2 with a solid performance against one of the strongest fields in world motocross, while South African-born Calvin Vlaanderen, racing under the Dutch flag for Aruba.it Ducati Factory MX Team, once again showed why he remains one of the sport’s most respected riders. For the local wildcard entries, the weekend presented an entirely different challenge. The demanding MXGP race format, with its longer 30-minute-plus-two-lap motos, pushed riders beyond the intensity of a typical national championship race, yet each one earned the opportunity to measure themselves against the very best in the world.
Reflecting on racing at home, McLellan said: “I am disappointed and feel like I let myself down off the gate in both motos, but man, South Africa, you made this one so special. I will never forget the energy and emotions I experienced this weekend on the track. I am so proud to be South African and to be able to call this place home.”
While the results may not have reflected the determination shown by South Africa’s privateers, simply lining up behind the start gate alongside factory stars was a milestone in itself. Riders such as Cameron Anthony Durow, Slade Smith, Matthew Malan, Jayden Proctor, Johan Vogelesang and Matthew Correia all gained invaluable experience on the world stage—experience that could prove just as valuable as any trophy in the years to come.
Yet, strangely enough, the results almost felt secondary. The loudest cheers weren’t always for an overtake or a race victory. They came as fans caught their first glimpse of the factory teams rolling into the paddock. They came when children met riders they had only ever admired from behind a screen. They came every time another rider launched over the jumps, reminding everyone that South Africa was once again hosting one of the biggest motocross events on the planet.
A VIP Experience to Remember
As the Official Lubricant Partner of MXGP worldwide, Liqui Moly’s involvement extends beyond supporting the championship itself. In the weeks leading up to the South African round, Liqui Moly South Africa invited enthusiasts to enter a competition for the chance to win the ultimate MXGP VIP experience, giving a select group of fans the opportunity to experience the event from a perspective that many enthusiasts only dream about.
Instead of joining the crowds from behind the barriers, the winners found themselves immersed in the heart of the action. They explored the paddock, stood metres away from some of the most advanced motocross machinery in the world, experienced the atmosphere behind the scenes, and watched the racing from premium viewing areas that brought them closer to the sport than ever before. Those are the kinds of experiences that stay with people long after the trophies have been lifted.
Events like MXGP are about more than lap times and podium celebrations. They inspire the next generation of riders. They remind former racers why they fell in love with the sport. They bring together families, friends and complete strangers who all share the same passion for motorcycles and competition.
They also remind us how important it is for brands to invest in the sport beyond simply placing logos on banners. Whether through long-standing global partnerships with championships like MXGP or local initiatives that bring fans closer to the action, meaningful involvement helps ensure the sport continues to grow while creating experiences that resonate long after the final chequered flag.
As the final chequered flag waved and the crowds slowly made their way home, there was a feeling that this weekend had been about far more than championship points. It was about proving that South Africa still belongs on the world motocross stage. It was about hearing the unmistakable sound of MXGP engines echo across South African soil once again. It was about watching young fans dream a little bigger after seeing their heroes race in person. And perhaps most importantly, it was a reminder that some things are worth waiting for.
