Mkushi is set to become the centre of Zambia’s motocross action later this month when Moto Park hosts the final round of the Zambia Motocross National Championship on September 25 and 26. Riders from different parts of the country are expected to travel to the Central Province town for the highly anticipated season finale. Organisers are expecting between 40 and 50 competitors, although the final entry could be higher as more riders confirm their participation. The event will bring together experienced national competitors, emerging riders and participants from neighbouring countries. With championship titles and season awards also expected to be decided and presented during the weekend, the Mkushi race promises to provide an exciting conclusion to the national motocross calendar.
The Mkushi event was initially scheduled to take place in August but was moved to September because the original period coincided with a busy time for Zambia due to the elections. Event organiser Stewart Parks explained that the change was necessary to ensure that the motocross competition could take place under more suitable circumstances. The decision has now placed the national championship finale firmly on the September sporting calendar. Riders have consequently had additional time to prepare for what will be the final opportunity of the national season to compete for championship points and finish their campaigns strongly. The organisers are now focused on delivering a successful event that brings the national motocross community together in Mkushi.
Parks said the Mkushi race would mark the end of the national motocross season, making it an important event for riders competing across the various classes. The conclusion of the championship will provide an opportunity to recognise competitors who have performed consistently throughout the season. Championship and season awards are expected to be presented during the event, adding further significance to the weekend. Riders will not only be competing for individual race results but will also be looking to finish the season on a high note. For supporters, the combination of high-level racing and awards will make the Mkushi meeting an important fixture on the national motocross calendar.
The organisers are also hoping the event will attract riders from outside Zambia, particularly from Zimbabwe and South Africa. The participation of neighbouring countries would add an international dimension to the competition while giving Zambian riders an opportunity to test themselves against competitors from other motocross communities. Cross-border participation can also help strengthen relationships between riders, teams and organisers in the region. Parks said organisers were expecting between 40 and 50 participants, with the possibility of the number increasing. Mkushi has a reputation for attracting both current competitors and experienced riders who have a long association with the sport, making the venue an important part of Zambia’s motocross tradition.
Among the riders expected to compete is Zambia’s MX1 champion, Malegan Scotty Haygate. His participation will be one of the key attractions of the weekend as competitors take on the premier class and battle for strong results at the season finale. Nine-time African women’s champion Leah Haygate could also take part, adding significant experience to the expected field. Her potential participation would provide another major talking point in the women’s category and further highlight the depth of talent within Zambia’s motocross community. The presence of accomplished riders is expected to raise the standard of competition and provide younger competitors with an opportunity to race alongside established names.
African champion Caitlin Parks is also expected to compete at Moto Park, adding another recognised name to the anticipated field. Organisers are also hoping to attract one or two female riders from South Africa to strengthen the competition in the ladies’ category. A stronger international presence in the women’s field could create more competitive racing while giving local riders valuable experience against different competitors. The inclusion of women across national and international motocross events also reflects the growing range of opportunities available to female riders in the sport. With several accomplished women expected to participate, the ladies’ category could become one of the notable features of the Mkushi weekend.
The national race will feature a broad range of classes designed to accommodate riders of different ages and experience levels. Younger competitors will have opportunities to race in the 50cc, 65cc and 85cc categories, while the 125cc class will provide another level of competition as riders progress through the sport. The MX2 category will cater for competitors riding 250cc motorcycles, while the premier MX1 class will feature 450cc machines. The different classes allow riders to compete against others with comparable equipment and experience while providing a structured pathway through the sport. This variety is expected to ensure that the weekend offers competitive racing across several levels rather than focusing only on the premier category.
In addition to the main motorcycle classes, the event will include ladies, veterans and masters’ categories. These divisions provide opportunities for riders with different backgrounds and levels of experience to remain active in motocross competition. The veterans and masters’ categories are particularly important for experienced riders who continue to participate in the sport beyond the traditional competitive age groups. Their involvement also contributes to the strong motocross culture associated with events such as the Mkushi meet. Bringing together younger riders, elite competitors and experienced participants creates an environment where different generations of motocross enthusiasts can compete and interact during the same event.
The MX Support Class will also form an important part of the competition, particularly for riders who are still developing their skills and gaining confidence in national-level racing. Parks said the support class was important because it gives less experienced competitors a chance to participate without immediately having to compete at the highest level. This type of opportunity can help emerging riders gain valuable race experience, learn how to manage competition conditions and improve their technical abilities. It can also provide a pathway for riders who may eventually progress into the more competitive national classes. By including developing competitors alongside established riders, the Mkushi event can contribute to the continued growth of motocross in Zambia.
The September 25 and 26 national championship finale is therefore expected to bring together many of the elements that make motocross appealing to competitors and supporters. The prospect of 40 to 50 riders, possible participation from Zimbabwe and South Africa, multiple racing classes and championship awards gives the event considerable significance. Moto Park in Mkushi will provide the setting for riders to complete their national campaigns while emerging competitors will have an opportunity to gain valuable experience. The presence of established champions such as Malegan Scotty Haygate, Leah Haygate and Caitlin Parks could further increase interest in the competition. As Zambia’s motocross season reaches its final round, the Mkushi event is positioned to provide a competitive and inclusive conclusion while supporting the continued development of the sport.