Arno Erasmus: Local rising star of SA motorcycle racing

Arno Erasmus, a learner at Welkom-Gimnasium, continues to make his mark on South African motorcycle racing. In December, Arno formed part of the National Youth bike race team that achieved an outstanding second place in the prestigious 8-hour endurance race at the Killarney International Racetrack in Cape Town.

As the only rider from the Free State in the team, Arno and his teammates completed an impressive 695 laps, outperforming expectations and finishing ahead of many top local and international teams. This achievement came in one of the toughest events on the calendar –  the Livingstone Baths 8-Hour Endurance Race, now in its 41st year. The race is a true test of stamina, skill, and teamwork, with riders and machines pushed to their limits over eight relentless hours. Arno has been selected for the Magworkshop team for the fourth consecutive year, underlining his consistency and talent.

Arno is also the only Free State rider competing in the South African Short Circuit Championship. Despite breaking his wrist mid-season during a motocross race, he fought back with determination to finish the 2025 championship with three third place finishes in different classes: 150cc Seniors, SM1 (Motards), and Clubmans.

Arno began on-road racing in February 2021 on an NSF 100 and a CBR 150. Although he was lapped twice in his first race, his rapid improvement saw him earning podium finishes mid-season and his first victory by year-end. Two years later, he claimed the Clubmans Championship on a KTM 390cc.

Arno still trains on his off-road bike to maintain fitness. In July last year, he competed in the National Motocross Championship in Bloemfontein, where he secured a third place finish.

With no short-circuit track in the Free State, Arno travels to Vereeniging and Benoni to train – a clear reflection of his dedication and passion for the sport.

(Written by Chrystelle Erasmus)