Arno Erasmus (14) from Welkom, a Gr. 9 learner of the Trio High School in Kroonstad, came first in his class (sub-400cc) during the international Classic Superbike Racing Association (CSRA) motorcycle racing event that was held at the Phakisa Freeway.
On Saturday (04/02), Arno took top honours during the race, which is the largest classic motorcycle racing class in South Africa. This event also culminates with the Red Star Racing series hosting superbikes and a sub-500cc class for upcoming youths.
Arno started racing on tar two years ago and his talent for this kind of racing became apparent. He finished 2nd in South Africa in the Clubmans2-class short circuit on his 390cc KTM 2022 motorcycle. He was way ahead on points, until he broke his arm and could not compete in two South African championships. He still maintained a 2nd place.
During the December holiday he competed in the annual eight-hour endurance bike race at the Killarney International Racetrack in Cape Town. He and his teammates gained a fifth place out of a total of 26 teams from all over South Africa.
Along with it being his first time racing at Killarney, Arno was also the only rider from the Free State to represent the national youth bike team. His teammates were from Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape.
The four did 534 laps, spent two hours in the saddle, and excelled against the best of the best.
They had to share one bike that was specially built in Cape Town by team manager, Mitch Robinson.
The Livingstone Baths 8 Hour endurance race for lightweight motorcycles is the longest running event on the Killarney calendar.
