Slaw
SX2 series leader Max Anstie completed the formality of his 2025 world championship in South Africa. The #99 scored three 2nd positions and ranked as runner-up behind Shane McElrath across a loose and dusty track in the buzzing metropolis of Cape Town this evening. Thanks to his points, Anstie conquered the series at the first ever South African World Supercross GP in front of a busy and noisy crowd at the DHL Stadium and capped a dominant campaign in the class.
The 32 year old stamped the #1 with a solid ride behind outgoing champ McElrath in the first Sprint race; P2 was all Anstie needed to begin the celebrations. On the night however McElrath proved tough to beat. The North Carolinian seized three clean starts and set the pace ahead of the Brit.
The South African dirt was slick in sections but McElrath was largely faultless as Anstie applied pressure in the second Sprint and then was less than a second from the rear wheel of the Quad Lock Honda until a small slip on the last lap of Race 3.
“We persevered and it was an uphill battle,” said McElrath, immediately after his first overall triumph of the season. “We learned a lot this year as a team and [me] also personally. The fans here in South Africa have been a real treat and I’m proud to hear the American anthem. We’re excited to end-up on top tonight.”
Anstie, SX2 champion in 2023, added another gold medal to his collection after a typically resolute term of consistency and high standards. Max earned 11 race victories in a row, was ever-present in podium ceremonies and bagged his second FIM title as a consequence.
“Pretty awesome! it’s been a great season and so cool to be able to visit all these countries and be a part of this world championship,” he said, moments after inking the history books. “I cannot give it up enough to my wife and little son and the whole Star Yamaha crew back in America. The bike never missed a beat and, of course, Serge and all the guys at the GSM team here. It’s awesome to make this whole collaboration work. Supercross felt like such a dream … and it took me so long to get to the top. I’m in a solid spot in my career.”
Enzo Lopes was holding provisional 3rd position going into Race 3 but Coty Schock’s ride to 3rd behind McElrath and Anstie on the track was enough to put the Rick Ware Racing rider onto the box and also for the bronze medal for the season. “There are a lot of things I should feel happy about but the last weekends have not gone my way,” he said. “3rd on the night, 3rd for the season though: I felt we made progress on the bike and it showed.”
WSX press release
