Image: Foremost Media.

Luke Styke believes relocating back to New South Wales in the off-season will only improve his form as the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) kicks off this weekend at Toowoomba in Queensland.

The two-time defending E1 champion moved to the Gold Coast in Queensland throughout the later stages of his motocross career, however the move back to Nowra comes as the Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing rider seeks added family support.

Styke, who says the relocation has opened up greater riding opportunities, is confident his refreshing environment will be on display in his results this season.

“I have made a few changes to the way I go about things, the biggest is moving back from Queensland to Nowra where I can get more riding and training done and have the support of my family around me,” Styke explained.

“Being an athlete can be selfish and with a wife and a toddler, we needed more support around them so the move back home was good and everyone has been really happy being back at Nowra.

“There is also so much more riding around here than where I was on the Gold Coast, so it’s been a win both on and off the bike and I expect that to show up in our results this season.”

Toowoomba’s opening stop of the AORC will mark rounds one and two of the series.