Justin Sangster

My family was introduced to Dean Hoffman in 2009. At the time, I was only 6 years old and just started racing motocross. In 2010, Dean started coaching me and we almost immediately realized the benefit. That year, I won the Western Cape Pro Senior 50cc championship and was one of the top 10 national riders in the 50cc class in South Africa. Together with my parents, Dean crafted a riding development program and guaranteed that I would win the SA championship in 2012 (two years later). In 2012, I won the SA Pro Senior championship by a massive 48 points. This accomplishment was the start of a long relationship with Dean. 

Dean Hoffman prepared me to race against and beat, the best riders in South Africa. He taught me many ‘life lessons’ which included how to deal with disappointment, failure, and how to relish and celebrate success. He helped to entrench the essential values of ‘good sportsmanship’ and teamwork.  I was part of the Dean Hoffman racing team for 5 years and during that time, learnt the value of hard work, the importance of supporting and assisting those team members who were at different levels, and committing to group training sessions. 

Much of my success must be attributed to Dean. He was responsible for many of the accomplishments I achieved. This included, many club championships, numerous Western Province titles and two South African championships. 

My association with Dean extended way beyond the sport of motocross. He influenced my outlook in life and succeeded in teaching me the value of hard work. I stopped racing in 2018 but my friendship and association with Dean carried on for the years thereafter. Dean always emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance in life and to afford priority to the aspects that would determine one’s future. I accordingly concentrated on my schooling, matriculated in 2021 and now a second year Engineering student at Stellenbosch University. From time to time, I visit the motocross track and look forward chatting with Dean when I get there. I have no doubt that I will retain my friendship and association with Dean for many years to come. 

Lastly and more importantly, I can confidently say that Dean Hoffman was responsible for the success of MANY young riders within the sport of motocross – along with the achievements they accomplished in their respective lives.