Langston wins FNB Trophy.

The FNB-First Link Challenge, the last leg of the current Namibian Moto-X Championships before the annual Inter-Series, was a raceday on which the spectators enjoyed everything that makes the sport so interesting - fascinating duels in all classes, scintillating performances by past world champions and mild spring weather.

Former champion and US moto-x star Grant Langston was the star in Omaruru. While promoters all over the world would pay thousands of dollars to get the South African racing at their meeting, in Omaruru this went nearly unnoticed. His bike, wearing the legendary #111 was provided by Messrs EL Sea Products, and Langston rewarded the generosity by winning all of his heats in style.

Particularly to be remembered will be heat two, when Langston forgot to open the petrol switch and stalled his bike at the start before embarking on a stunning comeback ride. Having given the rest of the field something approaching a 400 metre headstart, it took him just three laps to be leading the pack! After three heat wins in the Open Class, he was a fitting recipient of the big trophy sponsored by FNB and First Link.

"This trophy will get a special spot in my big collection", said Grant at the prize-giving, after finishing ahead of Ryan Williams, Reiner Becker, Ingo Waldschmidt and Wolfgang Rohe.

Young South African Williams was another rider who impressed friends and foes alike. Having started off racing motocross before switching over to jetski racing for the past six years, and only reverting to dry land in April 2002, Williams showed that he had lost none of his trademark smooth style. On a Honda borrowed from Eckhard Waldschmidt, he produced a masterful performance and finished second overall.

The third surprise of the day was witnessed in the Clubman Class where a novice, Julius Scholze, finished second overall in his very first competition. His awkward style taking jumps needs some polish, but he showed a big heart - specifically in heat two, when he banged handlebars with old warhorse J?rgen Brendel but refused to be bowed.

The whole event was organised by Dr Otto Zapke, who once more proved that the Omaruru Moto Cross Club could handle the running of a major event - and one that pleased sponsors First National Bank and First Link Insurance Brokers.

In the 50cc Junior Class, Eric Garbers beat Tristan M?ller and Paul Loots. Erhard Pajewski won the 80cc Junior Class ahead of his archrival Jaco Loots and his brother Daniel Pajewski. Exciting racing, as usual, could also be witnessed in the 65cc Class, this time Kai Pritzen kept victorious over Bj?rn Bierbrauer.

In the 85cc Class, Uwe Sternagel kept a clean sheet, ahead of 'Animal' Wise and Tommie Gous. Arno Engels was fully recovered from a broken collarbone and dominated the 125cc Class, with Sternagel coming second ahead of Bj?rn J?rges.

All eyes were fixed to the Clubman Class where seasoned riders like Gareth Howard and J?rgen Brendel had a hard time containing total novice Scholze. Siegfried Pack won the class ahead of Scholze and brother Olaf.

The Quad-Class above 250cc was won by Kirsten Spangenberg. Michael Nederlof was second ahead of Jaques Schlechter. The small quad-class became an all Omaruru affair with Emil D?rgeloh winning ahead of Gerhard Simon and Norbert D?rgeloh.

The highlight of the day, however, was the FNB-First Link 'King of the Dirt' race, staged over 20 minutes plus one lap and open to all-comers. Given his form throughout the meeting, perhaps there was no surprise that Langston also won the finale, ahead of Williams, who oozed determination after his second overall in the Open Class. Reiner Becker and Ingo Waldschmidt hounded Williams all the way, but to no avail.