MOTORING NEWS - "2017 feels like a Husqvarna year!" says Husqvarna Brand Manager, Fred Fensham. "The past two-and-half years have been a whirlwind ride with this exciting brand and it truly feels like we are finding our place in the market as a premium offering in the motocross and enduro segment. We have had some awesome success in winning titles in MX 1, 85 Pro Mini and the Roof of Africa - as well as being regarded a serious player in all other classes. This said, it's time to step it up to the serious level!"

The enduro team that will run under the new title sponsor colours of Pepson Plastics will consist of multiple SA champion Brett Swanepoel (# 111) in the E2 (open) class aboard a Husqvarna TE 300 and hot privateer rider (until now) Henco Botha (# 9) in the E1 class aboard a Husqvarna FE 250.

Husqvarna will also make a welcome return to national off-road racing and compete in the OR2 category with the flying Brett Swanepoel on board a Husqvarna FX 350, also under the banner of Pepson Plastics.

"Our motocross squad will be a hot one to contend with as well. Here we see 12 times SA MX champion Richard van der Westhuizen (# 717) focusing fully on MX this year in the MX1 class on board a Husqvarna FC 450. In MX 2 we had great expectations of our young flyer Jason Visser, but injury and surgery have precluded him from starting.

We have signed a long-term contract with the very fast multiple champ Matthew 'Maddy' Malan (# 57). Maddy will contest the MX 2 class for 2017 on board a Husqvarna FC 250. Seriously exciting is the fact that we will again have Slade Smith (# 737) on board a Husqvarna TC 125, contesting the championship that he chased through injury last year in the competitive 125 High School class. This facet of our team is yet to name a title sponsor.

The team will be supported as before by Bel-Ray, Pirelli in motocross and Metzeler in enduro and off-road. Fox, Portable Shade, FMF, 32 Gi and Snap On will also have the team's back.

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