MXGP of South Africa: More Than Just a Grand Prix After an 18-Year Wait

While Lucas Coenen and Guillem Farres walked away with the overall victories, the real winner of the weekend may well have been South African motocross itself.

It is estimated that more than 20,000 spectators passed through the gates over the course of the weekend—an incredible turnout that highlighted just how much the country had missed hosting the FIM Motocross World Championship after an 18-year absence.

An enormous amount of work had gone into preparing Terra Topia for an event of this magnitude. In the lead-up to the Grand Prix, there were plenty of doubters, and understandably so. Hosting a world championship event is no small undertaking, and many questioned whether everything would come together in time.

Those doubts were quickly put to rest.

From the moment spectators arrived, it was clear that the organisers had delivered something special. The circuit was presented in excellent condition, the spectator facilities were well thought out, food vendors were plentiful, and every aspect of the event reflected the professionalism expected of an MXGP round. Behind the scenes, the marshals, medical crews, track staff, volunteers and organisers all played their part in ensuring the weekend ran smoothly, and they deserve enormous credit for what they achieved.

Away from the racing, there was entertainment everywhere you looked. The Jungle Rush Freestyle Motocross team had fans packed in front of the Monster Energy activation area throughout the day as they launched into huge backflips, massive whips and gravity-defying tricks that had the crowd roaring with every run. Combined with the music, passionate supporters and the constant buzz around the venue, Terra Topia felt more like a motocross festival than simply another race meeting.

On the circuit, South Africa’s riders gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about. Calvin Vlaanderen produced one of his strongest performances of the season, while Camden McLellan came agonisingly close to standing on the MX2 podium in front of his home fans. Although the fairy-tale home podium ultimately remained out of reach, both riders left absolutely everything on the track, earning standing ovations from the South African supporters throughout the day.

Perhaps the biggest legacy of the weekend was the opportunity it created for South Africa’s next generation of riders. A number of local wildcard competitors lined up for their very first FIM Motocross World Championship races, gaining priceless experience against the best motocross riders on the planet. Sharing the circuit with established South African stars such as Calvin Vlaanderen and Camden McLellan was an opportunity that will undoubtedly inspire and benefit these young riders for years to come.

As the final chequered flag fell and fans slowly made their way home, there was one overwhelming feeling shared by everyone in attendance: this cannot be a once-off event.

South African motocross needs the MXGP. Our riders deserve the opportunity to race against the world’s best on home soil, our young talent deserves the chance to learn without travelling halfway across the world, and our fans have shown beyond any doubt that they will support an event of this calibre.

Terra Topia didn’t simply host the return of the MXGP of South Africa—it reminded the world that this country is capable of staging a world-class motocross Grand Prix. Judging by the success of the weekend, the passion of the fans and the smiles on the faces of riders and organisers alike, South Africa has earned its place back on the MXGP calendar.

Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait another 18 years.