The Continental AMU will be staged in South Africa around July and August and Kenya hopes to make a bigger representation as opposed to Namibia last year where Tutu Maina was the sole representative. According to Dr Vinayak, South Africa boasts of numerous racetracks build on diverse surface conditions like sand as well as a mixture of sawdust and murram.

“Kenya will surely be represented in a big way. Riders have been practicing since December in the run up to the new season. We are trying to encourage as many riders like Doungu Smith and Kyle Ray who have not been competing actively to come back and help us build a strong team to the continental AMU in South Africa,” added Vinayak.

As the opening round of the series nears, riders are brimming with confidence. There is anticipated renewed challenge with some riders expected to move up to the next level.

The MX50 has attracted five new riders who have been practicing vigorously though yet to acquire competition licenses. Defending MX50 champion Murigu Njiiri is anticipated to stay on though unconfirmed reports reveal that he may as well move up to the MX65.

Apollo Mbuki who won the MX65 class title is moving up the ranks after securing a new KTM 85cc bike. At MX 85, Mbuki will fight it out with defending Champion Adil Khan and East Africa AMU Champion Ivan Guya who has been the fastest rider last season despite skipping three rounds with a nagging leg injury.

Champion Cruze Muigai and Tutu Maina remain at MX2 while word has it that Jordan McLoy might move up to the MX1 class. McLoy is trying to come to terms with the ex-Tony Hallet Honda 250 four stroke bike he has been practicing with since December. Champion Shivam Vinyak is expected to dominate the MX1 (formerly Open Class) with no new riders anticipated to the class. However, fans will have a bonus in seeing a fascinating father-and-son rivalry as Moses Mugo and his son Charles are back to pick up from where they left last year. Anthony Nielsen and his father Jorgen should also be back both riding Yamaha 450cc four stroke bikes.

The 2009 MX Calendar

Feb 21-Round 1

March 21-Round 2

April 11-Round 3

May 23-Round 4

July4-Round 5

Aug 8-Round 6

Oct 3-Round 7

Nov 14: Round 8