Rusch wins Open Motorbikes Championship

OTJIHASE, Aug 12- Henner Rusch (KTM)  clinched his 5th title in as many years, when he clinched victory the Open Motorbikes Enduro Championship in Otjihase.

The finale attracted 57 participants in six different categories, and in the absence of championship second Marcel Henle (KTM),  Rusch clocked the fastest lap of the day and outclassed the rest of  the Open Motorbikes Class on his way to a commanding victory. Heiko Stranghoehner (KTM) managed a season best by finishing second ahead of Corner Visser (Sherco). Visser now trails Henle by three championship points for second overall, and an entertaining battle between the two can be expected for the season’s last race in October. Kai Hennes (KTM) was on track for a podium finish with before a 25 minutes loss on his second lap condemned him to finish ninth.

Joern Greiter (KTM) strode comfortably to the Senior Motorbike Riders Class Championship title with his fifth victory of the season. Stefan du Plessis (KTM) finished second ahead of Frank Ahlreip (KTM). Ahlreip moved into third overall with his strong performance and will hope to defend this spot in the last race of the season.

Joern Greiter – 2017 Senior Motorbikes Champion

Juergen Gladis clinched his second title in as many years in the Clubman’s Motorbike Class, his second place finish securing enough points to claim the title. Jean Venter (Yamaha), had an excellent day and claimed top spot. Young talent Juan van As (KTM) finished third – his first podium finish in the Clubman’s Class. Entering the last race of the season, Wayne Schablinski (KTM) is second overall ahead of Liam Gilchrist (Husqvarna).

Keanu Weber-Trianus (KTM) came another step closer to winning the Off-road Bike Class Championship by finishing second at Otjihase behind Jaco Husselmann (Husaberg). Johan van der Merwe (Yamaha) finished third.

In the Development Class for youngsters, Dylan Hilfiker (KTM) won the championship with his victory at Otjihase, ahead of Levin Quinger (KTM) who lost a lot of time due to technical difficulties. Andre Barnard (KTM) finished third to move into third position overall.

Development riders and accompanying rides at Otjihase

J L Oppermann (Honda) and Jens Rubow (Honda) battled neck and neck in the Open Quads Class for four laps, until Jens Rubow experienced technical difficulties and lost more than 30 minutes on the final lap to finish second. Gary Rowland (Honda) came in third and therefore has a comfortable lead in second position of the championship ahead of third placed Rubow.

JL Oppermann – Naminbian Open Quads Champion 2017

Shannon Rowland (Honda) secured her second Ladies Quad Class championship title in a row with a top spot finish at Otjihase ahead of Claire Brendl (Honda). Julia Moths (Yamaha) and Maike Bochert (Honda) both had technical problems and could not finish the race.

Shannon Rowland – Ladies Quad Champion 2017

The final event of the Bank Windhoek Namibian Enduro Championship season will take place on 14 October.-NDN Staffer