NAIROBI, Kenya, July 11- Having already taken his maiden scalp last season, all-rounder Charles Mugo was back in the groove in his second MX1 career victory. Such was the grit and gusto that characterized the sixth round of the National Motocross Championship at Jamhuri Park race track.
Having already competed aggressively this season, there was no stopping Mugo (Honda 450) who eclipsed his own father Moses (KTM525) -and most importantly -series leader Shivam Vinayak.
Vinayak confirmed his absence for the next meeting in August to concentrate on studies at Nairobi University. As the heats ended, Mugo saluted spectators in jubilation at the last jump.
“First I can say it felt great to win for the second time. My biggest challenge has always been beating Shivam, but today’s (Sunday’s) event had a big entry on the gates so I guess getting the whole shot at the first corner and with good riders like Anthony (Nielsen) and the rest, it was such challenging fun event,” the victor said.
Spectators thronging Jamhuri Park terraces had a bonus as they bore witness to some aggressive riding displayed by riders in combined heat runs.
Cruze Muigai, the MX2 daredevil Yamaha 250 four-stoke rider, was back to the racetrack with a bang, what with his dazzling jumps and awesome cornering, which saw him beat Shivam twice in the heat runs.
Cruze extended his MX2 lead to a flawless 360 points beating his cousin Tutu Maina to second as Allan Maina settled for third in the MX1 podium dash.
The battle for the young diminutive riders was awesome. Maina Wanjigi won the MX50 race on a perfect 60 points score upon dominating the three heats at stake. Jesse Waithaka cruised home second on 51 while Dekker Kihara and Tai Maina took third and fourth respectively.
Jesse’s elder brother Jeremy Waithaka made up for his sibling’s undoing to win the MX60 class on 54 points followed by Owain Ashley (45), Mohammed Anwar (43), Rolf Kihara (40) and Ryan Bailey (36).
Ivan Guya maintained his dogged campaign in search of a maiden MX125 class title when he beat Mwai Kibaki Junior to second while Ted Wanday clung to third place.
Apollo’s Mbuki oozed confidence right from the turn of the first corner and was also all smiles on winning MX85class. Samir Anwar was second and Karan Sehmi third.
