Botswana’s motorsport hero Ross Branch – the “Kalahari Ferrari” made a triumphant return to motocross at the All-African Motocross Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Branch, who competed in the Vets/Masters class, described the event as nothing short of electric. “It was so good to be back at this incredible team event and to be on a motocross gate again. Harare put on a brilliant show, the host nation really reminded us how races should be run—organised, welcoming, and electric from first practice to the final moto. I’m proud to have won the overall individual in my class, and even prouder of the spirit in our Team Botswana camp all weekend,” he said.
For Branch, wearing the national colours remains a powerful motivator. “Putting on the Botswana colours will never get old. It is an honour to be an ambassador for our country and to give everything for that flag. Racing in Zimbabwe with our supporters in the stands made it even more special—pride, responsibility, and pure joy all at once,” he reflected.
He praised the Harare track for its quality and challenge. “The prep was world-class. It got rough, properly rough but remained safe, with good rhythm and flow. That balance makes for awesome racing and perfect training for rally—intensity, line choice under fatigue, and reading changing terrain at speed,” he explained.
Beyond the racing itself, Branch applauded the event’s professionalism. “Timekeeping and scheduling were spot on. We were ahead of program on most days. The professionalism across the board stood out: sign-on, briefing, marshalling, medical, and especially the track prep and maintenance between sessions. It ran like clockwork,” he noted.
Returning to motocross was also deeply personal for him. “It’s where I started and it still makes me happiest. Having family and friends there was the cherry on top. I’m putting everything into my build-up for the 2026 Dakar Rally, and motocross is a huge part of that. Nothing matches it for intensity, reaction speed, bike control, and fitness,” said Branch.
The road ahead is packed with international commitments. “I leave on 13 September for Round 4 of the World Rally-Raid Championship in Portugal (22–29 September), then head straight to Morocco for the final round (10–17 October). Big weeks ahead and I can’t wait,” he shared.
Asked about what keeps him going at the highest level, Branch emphasized perseverance. “By never giving up. You stay focused, believe in yourself, your team and your goals, and you keep moving forward… one honest day of work at a time. There will always be highs and lows; the key is to leave the past where it belongs and control what you can today. Re-introducing motocross into my program was one of those steps. It brings me joy, sharpens my skills, and reminds me why I love this sport,” he concluded.
