GABORONE MOTOR CLUB

The Gaborone Motor Club has been in existence for close on 32 years in Botswana. From humble beginnings on what was known as the "Cotton Fields" which is now Molapo Crossing to their current location out near SSK Airport.

During this period, several residents and citizens of Botswana have gone on to greater things, having started out with GMC. Robin Tilney, who founded the club, was the South African Off Road champion in 1979. Since then, the likes of Carlos De Abreu, Shumie Van Vuuren, Clinton Van Vuuren, the Noble family, and more recently, Atang Makgekgenene, (although not a member, but a Motswana) have all competed successfully in the Off Road series in South Africa.

In the past 3 years, motorcycle members of GMC have been selected to take part in various events, and been offered the opportunity to join racing teams. Ross Branch, a young rider from Jwaneng is now racing motocross in Europe, and has been as far afield as Russia, Denmark, Greece, Germany and France. He also took part in the World Championship MX Grand Prix held at Sun City in 2004 and in 2005. He was also the African Champion in the 125cc class in 2003.

Other young riders have been competing at Motocross events held throughout Africa. Ian Dykes, Vincent Conlon, and Ross Branch all took part in the African Motorcycle Championships in Namibia in 2003 and Ian and Ross rode in the AMU held in Kenya in 2002 and Ian competed recently in Zambia in the AMU.

Our off road motorcyclists have also had their fair share of success. Kyle Poppleton rode for the prestigious Shimwells Yamaha racing team in South Africa and in 2005 Mark Garland rode for the factory Gas Gas team. They are also regular participants in the famous Toyota 1000 Desert Race.

However, nearly all of these youngsters gained their experience by racing at grass roots level here in Botswana under the guidance of the Gaborone Motor Club. In this day and age, it is vital for children to learn the rules and safety issues, which govern our sport as well as to look after the environment. It is also extremely important to keep them off the streets and from riding on public roads. At GMC, we encourage children to respect their machinery and their colleagues, and to promote a healthy competitive spirit but above all, under safe conditions.

The Gaborone Motor Club are currently in the process of trying to obtain land that would allow us to build tracks which would incorporate all types of motorsport, put up a club house for social events, and in general encourage Batswana to become involved in the club. However, all this comes at a cost. For race day the club needs medical staff, water bowsers, marshals, toilets, a skip for refuse, as well as trophies for the day. Behind the scenes there are administration costs, rental of machinery to maintain/tidy up the track, as well publicity etc. The average cost of putting on an event is over P6, 000 each time.

In 2006, all competitors, young and old will be taught basic CPR and life saving techniques. At all our events, there will be a full medical team on standby in the event of injury. The track has to have shark netting around to protect the spectators and the riders alike. It also has to be graded, watered and maintained throughout the year so that all members can ride safely. We also intend to involve a group of off road enthusiasts, known as the Mantswabishi Fan Club, in our off road races. These Batswana are young men and women who are huge fans of motorsport. The Gaborone Motor Club has invited them to join the club and be trained as Marshals and Officials for our events. They are already involved in the Toyota 1000 Desert Race this year and have been out on route surveys with the Organizers. GMC look forward to working with the club for the benefit of the sport to us all.