SOUTH AFRICA was good to ROCKET REX!
1982 - Camel SA National 500cc MX Champion
1983 - Camel SA National 250cc MX Champion
1984 - 2nd place SA National 250cc MX Championship
Click images to enlarge
Always the showboat - Always
Click images to enlarge
For a relatively small 3rd
world country, South Africa has enjoyed great success in the sport of
motocross. Having won 5 world championships and various AMA Supercross and
outdoor titles, as well as various National titles around the world, we have
definitely produced more talent per rider than most of the great motocross
nations, dominated by Belgium, UK and USA.
Motocross started in SA like
any other country and grew from strength to strength through the 70’s. It
wasn’t till the early 80’s that Camel International got involved and suddenly
the sport was catapulted to a premier sport in SA. Manufacturers started
relishing the exposure given by the LIVE TV broadcasts. They contracted top
international stars to represent their brands, like Rex Staten, Larry Wosick
and Jim Tarantino. All of whom were top riders in the USA at that time. They were instrumental in
pushing motocross and supercross to a whole new level here and motivating guys
like Greg Albertyn to try their luck beyond these shores. (source: MXSA)
Rocket Rex always loved play riding during the race! To the normal professional this would be unheard of much less actually performed under the green flag. Well, why did Rex showboat to the delight of the spectators? Quite frankly because he generally had a half to full lap lead, he could get away with it and still win and he just had a blast doing it. During his three year SA tour he really took off wowing the thunderous crowds for fun and when the chips were down in a serious way. With BP and METZLER'S support, he won a ton, made good money and great fans and friends with whom he is still in contact with.
Enjoy these scans from The Rockets career in SA.
This photo is believed to be the very first Stadium Supercross in SA.
L-R, Bob Johnstone, Rex Staten, Mike Bell, Stephen Gall and Stefan.
Post comments and SA stories of the Rocket below
I got a chance to ride with Rex in SA years ago, he inspired me to stay cool. Now I am in my 50"s and am still riding. great guy , smart ass but simply the best
ReplyDeleteI thought about you today Rex when I watched redd come second in the Sandiego supercross race.
Sorry, OLD guys never die is what I meant. yea baby.
ReplyDeleteDoctor Marcantel
Awesome rider who along with fellow Americans Jim Tarantino and Larry Wosick brought great exposure to the sport in South Africa. By the way Jim Tarantino still lives in South Africa and is one of the title sponsors of the SA National Motocross series, he even speaks with a South African accent now :)
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if rex rode a 1982 yz250 in SA motocross champion ship
ReplyDelete