The 2023 Kawasaki ZX10R Cup season is nearing its exciting conclusion, with Graeme van Breda and Jayson Lamb battling fiercely in the final two rounds. This season has delivered thrilling races across the country’s major circuits, with Kyalami as a highlight during the Festival of Motoring Exhibition in August.
The ZX10 Masters Cup, conceived by racer Louis van Bergen in 2007, began as a one-make Kawasaki series with single-brand tires. Led by champions Greg Dreyer and Gavin Lightfoot, it quickly gained popularity, drawing national stars like the late Gavin Ramsay, Danie Maritz, Brad Stark, Stewart Mcleod, Graeme van Breda, and the late Jannie Stander over the years.
2024 marks the 18th year of this remarkable cup. The recipe for success is straightforward: keep the bikes as close to stock as possible, with minimal modifications such as slip-on exhausts, rear-sets, levers, gearing, DNA air filters, ECU flashing, and body kits. All bikes compete on a single set of Bridgestone R11 tires for qualifying, Race 1, and Race 2 throughout the race weekend. This levels the playing field and rewards skill over financial resources, promoting exciting racing across the grid.
The Cup has its own constitution, approved by MSA, guiding members on sportsmanship, maintaining the cup’s reputation, sponsor relations, and series well-being. This approach has attracted and retained significant sponsors like Sunbet, Red Square, and Bridgestone, committed until 2024. Live streaming on the Extreme Festival platform and rider interviews on RaceDay TV have added a unique dimension, providing riders with a platform to showcase their sponsors.
Unlike some two-wheeled categories plagued by politics, this single-manufacturer series fosters camaraderie among racers, creating a racing family atmosphere. The image of the Sunbet Kawasaki ZX10R Cup has grown impressively over its 17 seasons, emphasizing the special bond among competitors. With the decline of the National series, rumours suggest that decorated national stars may join the “Green Side of Town” next season, enhancing the series’ appeal and competitiveness, and solidifying its reputation. Kawasaki’s commitment to racing stands out, they prioritize racer support and affordability, a rarity in road racing.
Their once-off membership fee covers entry to all scheduled races, sparing racers the challenge of finding funds each month. New green machines receive subsidies, and ZX10R owners enjoy discounts on genuine Kawasaki parts, reducing season running costs. Logistics are streamlined for away events, with organizers transporting racers’ bikes. This alleviates the logistical burden of juggling work, travel, and bike transport for race weekends. Simply crate your bike, and it magically appears at the circuit, then back in Joburg a few days later.
In conclusion, joining the best racing series in South Africa, the Sunbet Kawasaki ZX10R Cup is a no-brainer. It offers thrilling competition, camaraderie, affordability, and invaluable support for racers, making it an attractive choice for any enthusiast.