SPORTS FEATURE
AWAY FROM THE TRACK, WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING? WHAT DOES A PERFECT DAY OFF LOOK LIKE? Coffee first, always! Time with family and friends, running and mountain biking. Then good food and exploring Cape Town. I try my best to switch off so I can come back sharp.
MOTORSPORT CAN BE AN EXPENSIVE PASSION. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST SACRIFICE ON YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A CHAMPION? Time with family, a normal social life, and finances. It has also meant believing in myself year in and year out. Every weekend went into racing. I’ d make the same trade again, but I don’ t pretend it was easy.
IS THERE A RACE, CHAMPIONSHIP, OR MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER THAT STILL GIVES YOU GOOSEBUMPS WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT? There are so many races around the world that I have incredible memories from. However, the race that secured my first SA championship has to be my favourite. It went down to the last race of the day to wrap it up. That’ s the feeling I keep chasing.
WHEN YOU’ RE NOT COVERED IN MUD AND CHASING THE CHEQUERED FLAG, WHAT KEEPS YOU BUSY? ARE YOU INTO TRAVEL, FITNESS, CARS, FOOD, MUSIC, OR OTHER SPORTS? I’ m into Hyrox( thanks, Puma!), and I love travelling, good food, and fast cars. I’ m happiest when I’ m active and out exploring. Honestly, even my hobbies tend to involve speed. I spend a lot of time on four wheels, racing through the dunes in my Polaris RZR.
MOTOCROSS COMES WITH CRASHES AND INJURIES. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR TOUGHEST MOMENT ON A BIKE, AND HOW DID YOU BOUNCE BACK? Injuries and broken bones come with the sport of motocross, unfortunately, but they also teach you so much along the journey. I have had my fair share of crashes over the years, with injuries including broken hands, fingers, and a collarbone, as well as several concussions.
The comebacks are slow and humbling, but they taught me patience and made me smarter about risk. I come back more disciplined, not just more determined.
IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE BEFORE ENTERING YOUR FIRST MOTOCROSS RACE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Enjoy it more and stress less. Look after your body, because it’ s your most important equipment. And be patient, because the results come when you stop forcing them.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT’ S NEXT ON THE BUCKET LIST? ANOTHER SA TITLE, AN INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE, OR SOMETHING COMPLETELY OUTSIDE MOTOCROSS? The next chapter is rally racing. In 2027, I will take on the South African Safari Rally. It is a round of the World Rally-Raid Championship, returning after a successful event hosted at Sun City in 2025. After this race, I would love to be fully focused on preparing for Dakar 2028.
Motocross gave me control, quick reactions, and a hunger to win, and I want to see how far those skills go in rally racing. I’ m looking for partners who want to be part of that journey, so if you’ re a brand that likes speed, grit, and a good story, let’ s talk. IB
ANTHONY RAYNARD’ S NEXT RACING CHAPTER
With four South African motocross titles behind him, Raynard is setting his sights on rally racing. His immediate goal is the 2027 South Africa Safari Rally, with Dakar 2028 firmly on his radar.
40 INBOUND SA / NOVEMBER 2026