IT’S THE END OF AN ERA… & THE END OF THE “SPRINKLER”
THE KOKSTAR RETIRES FROM MOTORSPORT - 26 NOVEMBER 2012
It is with a heavy heart and a bitter sweet feeling that I type this press release. Michael has made one of the most difficult decisions of his life to end his career in Motocross and Supermoto at 27 years of age. Some of you may have already seen this on the social networks. It was not Michael’s intention to let you his valued sponsors find out this way, however when he made the final decision on Saturday night he needed to get this heavy weight off his chest and it is for this reason that he posted on the social networks. This decision was brought about because of a number of things, firstly the sport is very small within South Africa which is unfortunate and having the series split into two federation’s i.e WOMSA and MSA makes it ever smaller. Motocross and Supermoto are sadly dying sports and as a result there are less and less sponsors every year willing to contribute to the individual riders and the sport as a whole. The current economic situation is another factor that played a role in this decision, as most of you will know Michael’s biggest backing came from his parents and their business. The company has taken some massive knocks in the past two year and it is for that reason that they can no longer contribute to Michael and his racing career. What it boils down to is that you cannot go racing if you do not have the budget to do so.
Michael cannot thank all of you enough for your contributions over the years and for sticking by him through the up’s and down’s. Without you his career in both Motocross and Supermoto would not have been possible. We would like to keep in contact with you all and hope that if the opportunity ever arises in the future that we can work together again.
Michael has this to say “It has been 17 amazing years of racing the MX boys and meeting the little up and coming kids. It breaks my heart to let you guys know that the boots are getting hung up and I am really going to miss you all. I cannot thank all my family and friends and especially sponsors for being behind me and supporting me over the years, I couldn’t have done it without you. Love you all… The Kokstar will always have his heart at the tracks…with tears streaming down my face…peace out folks it’s been real!!”
Special thanks to Michael Kok’s valued sponsors - Fast Powersports Kawasaki, Monster Energy, Rocktech Earthmoving Wearparts, Michelin, VonZipper ,Castrol, Superga, SA Tool, Gedore and Virgin Active, without you all none of this would have been possible. Wishing you and your loved one’s a very Merry Christmas full of hope, love and happiness, may you enjoy good cheer and a prosperous New Year. Till we meet again, God Bless you all.
