The origin of motocross can be traced back to the early 1900s in the UK where Auto-Cycle Clubs would host time trials. According to Augusta Free Press sports, these trials evolved into regular off-road events called ‘scrambles’. These races saw heavy and rigid two-stroke bikes that had been modified for off-roading.
Fast forward to the 21st century. Through decades of technological advancements, we now see a completely transformed business. Take for example bikes. They are much much lighter as well as faster, designed with the sole intent of maneuvering over rugged terrain, with suspensions which can withstand intense dirt track racing.
Today, the popularity of motocross is skyrocketing across the world, with Kenya not being left behind, having over 100 licensed motorcyclists participating in various motocross championships. The weekend of 8th – 9th October 2022 saw the National Motocross Championship return triumphantly to the Coast after a 15-year hiatus.
Round 8 held at Vipingo Ridge’s new off-road racing track was a great success seeing 64 riders participate and approximately 1000 spectators, organizers, sponsors and family members watch the action from the sidelines.
The ages of the participants ranged from 5 in the Peewee class up to 72 in the Veterans’ class in an impressive and diverse turn out for this notable event.
The two-day championship is the second Motorcycle Sports Federation of Kenya (MSFK)-sanctioned race that has been hosted at the 2,500 acre secure gated community Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County, with panoramic views from the Indian Ocean in the east to the Chodari Hills in the west with Africa’s only PGA-accredited golf course featuring a meandering system of lakes and streams that runs throughout the championship-level 18 holes.
The Motorcycle Sports Federation of Kenya (MSFK) is the official FMN for FIM in Kenya and holds the sporting authority to govern all motorcycling sports and we also accept the code of conduct, objects and jurisdiction as prescribed in the constitution of FIM body.
Alastair Cavenagh, Chairman of Vipingo Ridge, thanked the sponsors, spectators and everyone that took part: “We had a fantastic weekend with a huge turnout and on behalf of the whole team at Vipingo Ridge, I thank every rider, spectator and sponsor for helping us make this event a brilliant success. Particular thanks must go to our gold sponsors Offroad Adventures, Inchcape Kenya, Capital FM, Mombasa Cement, Superior Homes, Collective Energy Africa and Total Energies. But there is a whole host of companies that sponsored the race. As always, these events are testament to the support and hard work of everyone involved.”
In 2019, then Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta assured the nation of his government’s support for all sports disciplines including motocross, in order to grow the diverse talents of the Kenyan youth. He further dismissed the notion that some sports disciplines like motocross are elitist.
“Ours is to encourage not to demotivate. That is why I say forget the naysayers. You have done a wonderful thing supporting these children to participate in the motocross championships .It is about time you also received a helping hand to ensure they move to the next level,” the President told parents of the motocross team members when he flagged off the Kenya National Motocross Team that was participating in the Motocross of African Nations Continental Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2019.
