It’s time to rock and roll … powerfully!

New Zealand’s Power cousins are at it again – but this time at The Roof Of Africa!

Having not been content with just racing in Australia and Finland for 2011, Power Racing has now headed to ‘the mother of all hard enduros’, The Roof of Africa to see what all the fuss is about.

Both Karl and Chris travelled to Johannesburg on November 14, not knowing what was really install for the travelling duo. After 16 hours in the air, they were met at the Airport by Zac Botha, from Shimwells Yamaha.

Shimwells is a Yamaha dealer in Springs, a suburb about 30 minutes from down-town Jo-Berg. The Botha family own the shop with Zac one of the head mechanics and his father, Andre, a sales man. Also on the roster is Zac’s uncle Braham, also a mechanic is the guys who keeps everyone in line. Old mates, a little fiery at times.

Shimwells kitted the boys out with brand new YZ250 two-strokes for the event, which were expertly prepared by Zac himself. Zac, having done many Roof of Africa races, he knows what is required and had everything prepared before the boys even landed. They have also organised accommodation and a Bukkie (ute) to use while here.

“It’s pretty good what these guys (Shimwells) have done for myself and Karl” Chris explained.

“The bikes are better prepared than we could have imagined and it’s a basically no-expense-spared kind of deal. They have even gone to the extent of fitting WR gear boxes into the YZs for a better gearing ratio – Shorter first and second for the steep climbs and a taller fourth and fifth for the open stuff. What these guys don’t know about Yamaha Roof setups isn’t worth knowing.”

The boys have spent a week in and around the Springs area riding and tuning their bikes, ready for some roof action. They also spent a morning riding with UK rider Paul Bolton who gave Karl a few tip while climbing some pretty gnarly stuff.

“He’s a bloody good rider” Karl commented on Paul after the ride. “He’s pretty loose though but also pretty good through the really technical bits. He gave me a few tips which should bode well for the race.”

Chris and Karl with meet up with Chris Birch and the other Kiwis Mitchell Nield, Mike Skinner and Phil Cheater in Lesotho on Wednesday for a quick ride before Round the Houses starts on Thursday morning.

The boys have also made a YouTube video of what they have been up to before The Roof and some of the riding South Africa has to offer.

Check the link out – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr1n1DamGR8

Also keep an eye on the Roof of Africa website – http://www.roofofafrica.org.ls for race information and possible results. And our Power Racing facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/PowerRacingNZ