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Milner, Sanders and Semmens claim AORC lead at Toowoomba

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2020 Yamaha AORC

Rounds 1-2 Toowoomba

Images courtesy of Troy Pears

Round One – Saturday

Round 1 of the 2020 Yamaha Off Road Championship was held in Toowoomba and presented new challenges to our riders, including new faces in the field and first round nerves, with new classes also joining the mix.

Coming out on top today and setting 2020 out on the best foot was Luke Styke (Yamaha Active8 Yamalube) in E1, Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) in E2, Daniel “Chucky” Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) in E3 and Korey McMahon (Sutto’s Motorex KTM Racing Team) in the EJ class.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Luke Styke E

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Luke Styke E

Luke Styke – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

This new season also introduces of new Junior classes, including JJ, JG and J1, all in mind to ensure the sport is safely secured in future generations to come. Round 1 was clinched by Riley McGillivray in J4, Billy Hargy in J3, Jett Yarnold in J2, Charlie Connolly in J1, Max Stevenson in JJ and Danielle McDonald in JG.

Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha MXStore Ballards Off-Road Team) led the Women’s results at Round 1, Lee Stephens (True Painting and Decorating, KTM Newcastle)in Veterans and Kirk Hutton (Yamaha Motors Australia) in Masters all took out first place, attaining a firm grasp on their continued success from 2019 into 2020. This AORC season also includes the first full season 2 Stroke Cup class, which saw Harry Teed take out the top spot.

E1

Working tooth and nail to hold onto his 2019 victory was Luke Styke on his Yamaha with a time of 55:47.177. Styke lead ahead of Motocross up-and-comer Mason Semmens (KTM Enduro Racing Team), who crossed his seventh and final test for the day with a total time of 55:55.475 with only eight seconds separating two.

Rounding out the E1 Round 1 podium was MXstore’s Kyron Bacon, who continues to grow in leaps and bounds as he transitions from EJ to E1 this season.

Luke Styke

“Today started off a little slower than expected but we progressed throughout the day, made some fixes to the bike and just got better and better. For Round 2 we’re just going to rest up and hopefully start off the racing in a little bit of a better position compared to today.”

E2

As Daniel Milner said at the Press Launch earlier this week, the 2019 racing season was one he wanted to forget, but regardless of the spill early in the day, Milner has grabbed the E2 lead with both hands. Clocking in at 54:39.515, Milner lead comfortably ahead of newcomer and MX Nationals Champion, Todd Waters (Berry Sweet, Husqvarna).

Waters made a big and welcome splash into the E2 class today, shaking up the competition by clocking in an impressive total time of 55:27.309. Closing out the top three was Yamaha Active8 Yamalube’s Josh Green, who finished ahead of Michael Driscoll (Yamaha bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Team) with a total time of 55:36.369.

Daniel Milner

“Today started off strong but I ran into some trouble and came off the bike and I’m lucky that I was able to get back up and continue riding, honestly. Apart from that incident though, my day was pretty good and finished up well with the class win! I think I came into this round swinging, ready to get back into the game in a big way.”

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner E

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner E

Daniel Milner – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

E3

With the number one firmly locked onto his Husqvarna FE501, Chucky remained his unstoppable self. Regardless of a crash early in day’s tests, Chucky did as he does best and pushed through, grinning and bearing it to clock in a time of 55:21.276.

Shaking up the E3 class on the 300 two-stroke is Motul Pirelli Sherco Offroad Racing Team’s Jonte Reynders, who took out second placed behind the International Six Days Enduro World Champion. Rounding out the podium was Callum Norton (KTM Desert Racing Team), with a total time of 57:09.295.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Sanders E

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Sanders E

Daniel Sanders – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

EJ

It was was the time for Korey McMahon to shine and after tangoing back and forth with the likes of Kyron Bacon last season, McMahon took out a well deserved EJ class win for Round 1, clocking in a time of 58:05.112.

Rounding out the podium today was Blake Hollis (Yamaha) with a total time 58:44.064, and Samuel Pretscherer (Gol Gol Hotel, Mototech) with a time of 59:40.496.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Korey McMahon EJ

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Korey McMahon EJ

Korey McMahon – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

J4

Settling comfortably back into the swings of things, it was like Riley McGillivray never left over the break as he charged ahead of his rivals with ease. McGillivray finished Round 1 with a total time of 48:19.242, ahead of Kodi Stephens and Kobi Wolff.

J3

Billy Hargy was simply unstoppable as he screamed across the Offroad Advantage test track, finishing in first with a total time of 49:16.712. Second place was awarded to William Dennett, while clinching the final podium position was Campbell Hall.

Billy Hargy

“Today was good. Started off a bit slow and came second in the first few tests. I think I was struggling in the test a little bit but I started finding a few good lines and working to my strengths. I didn’t think I’d score the round win and I’m really happy with the end result!”

J2

The rocky landscape didn’t slow down Jett Yarnold, who stole away first place in J2 with ease, clocking in after six laps with a time of 52:38.318. Sliding into second was Levi Stephens, followed closely by Jet Alsop in third.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Jett Yarnold J

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Jett Yarnold J

Jett Yarnold – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

J1

A brand new addition to the AORC pits, the J1 features 85 small wheels. Coming out on top for Round 1 was Charlie Connolly, with a total time of 56:09.406. Clinching second place was Beau Tripcony, while rounding out the podium was Cooper Boyd.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Charlie Connolly J

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Charlie Connolly J

Charlie Connolly – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

JJ

The second brand new addition to AORC is the JJ class with 65cc motorbikes and claiming its first ever round win was none other than Max Stevenson, with a total time of 57:51.208. Taking out second place was Harley Hutton, and close behind was Dylan McDonald scoring third place.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Max Stevenson JJ

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Max Stevenson JJ

Max Stevenson – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

JG

Last but certainly not least in the Juniors is the new JG class. Claiming the first round win was the demon behind the handlebars, Danielle McDonald, with a total time of 54:09.460. McDonald was followed by Monique Simioni and Ariana Collins to complete the podium.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Danielle Mcdonald JG

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Danielle Mcdonald JG

Danielle McDonald – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

Women’s

Jess Gardiner appears to have worked straight through the AORC break to build herself up to an even better position for the 2020 season. Clocking in a total time of 1:10:30.314, Gardiner took out first place ahead of ‘The Flying Swede’, Emelie Karlsson (Yamaha).

Stealing away third was Penrite Honda’s Emma Milesevic, who appears to be right at home now after completing a near full season in 2019 whilst also making tracks in Motocross.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Jessica Gardiner Womens

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Jessica Gardiner Womens

Jess Gardiner – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

Veterans

Continuing on from a blisteringly hot 2019 season where he rarely faltered off first place, Lee Stephens demonstrated his fine form to take out first place in the Veterans class. Trailing behind Stephens in second place was Richard Chibnall (WBR Echuca On Point Motorcycles, 100% Strength), while the third and final Veteran podium position was won by Christopher Thomas (Thomas Lee KTM).

Lee Stephens

“Had a really good day today. I crashed in the logs on the first test – they caught me out – and I have really been looking forward to getting the season started,” explained Stephens.

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Lee Stephens Vets

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Lee Stephens Vets

Lee Stephens – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

Masters

He took out the 2019 AORC Masters title with a round to spare last season and looks set to continue that fantastic streak in 2020, with Kirk Hutton taking out first place, clocking in a total time of 1:07:10.693. Behind Hutton in second was Andrew Gillam, while Timothy Martin rounded out the podium

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Kirk Hutton Masters

Yamaha AORC Rnd Toowoomba Kirk Hutton Masters

Kirk Hutton – 2020 Yamaha AORC Round 1 – Toowoomba

2 Stroke Cup

After the success of the 2 Stroke Cup in selected rounds last season, AORC introduced this class as a full season Championship class for 2020.

Taking out first place at Round 1 was Harry Teed with a total time of 59:10.420. As Teed navigated the WR450F track, which presented a mixture of lush grass and slippery dust, he was followed closely by Brad Hardaker (Banana Coast Pest Control, Yamaha). Third place was won by Dalton Johnson (Motul Pirelli Sheroc Offroad Racing Team).

Round One Results

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

AORC hits Kyogle this weekend for Rnd 5-6

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Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship 2019

Rounds 5 & 6 – Kyogle, NSW Preview

The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) returns from a three-month break this weekend, heading to Kyogle in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, with rounds 5 and 6 to be held over July 20-21.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner
Daniel Milner – 2019 AORC

Much of the AORC field made the trek to the iconic Hattah Desert Race, which took place on the first weekend of July, but heading into this weekend let’s take a quick gander at everything you need to know in terms of the state of play of the championship across all classes.

With riders like Daniel Sanders, Daniel Milner, Kyron Bacon, Blake Hollis, Lee Stephens and Jessica Gardiner all holding perfect 100-point scores, competitors will be itching to end their streaks and mix up those standings. Here’s a look at how the AORC stands heading into the weekend.

E3

In the E3 category, Daniel Sanders holds a clean 100 per cent scorecard having won all four rounds this year. He sits on top of the championship with 100-points locked away as he continues his march towards a second E3 Championship.

Hattah Desert Race Daniel Sanders JPM
Daniel Sanders – Image by John Pearson Media

Sanders’ victory last time out marked his fifteenth round win in the E3 class and his twenty-eighth podium finish in the category. The last time Sanders raced at Kyogle was back in 2015, when he finished second to his then KTM teammate, Toby Price in both rounds on the Saturday and Sunday.

Fourteen points behind the Victorian rider is Beau Ralston, who has found himself finishing on the podium in four of the rounds with three second positions, at Rounds 1, 3 and 4, while at Round 2 it was third place, when he finished 20.651 seconds behind  Andrew Wilksch, who finds himself in fifth place in the championship standings.

In third place and not to be over looked is Jesse Lawton with 72-points, while in fourth place is Matt Murry.

E3 Standings – Top 5

  1. Daniel SANDERS 100
  2. Beau RALSTON 86
  3. Jesse LAWTON 72
  4. Matt MURRY 68
  5. Andrew WILKSCH 62

E2

Just like in E3 class, Daniel Milner has made the E2 class his own in 2019, taking line honours in all four rounds proving he is the man to catch this year. Fresh from his recent Hattah Desert Race win, Milner will be looking to extend his championship lead this weekend.

AORC Dungog Daniel Milner and crowd
Daniel Milner

Milner’s closest rival and last year’s E3 champion Josh Green has a question mark on if he will compete this weekend. Green suffered small fractures, a lot of bone bruising and damaged ligaments in his wrist after he fell at the Hattah Desert Race.

With Green potentially out of the game this weekend, Milner will have to focus on keeping Frenchman Jérémy Carpentier at bay, as he sits 22-points behind Milner. A steady start to the year, with three thirds and one fourth, sees the rider eight points ahead of Broc Grabham, while Brad Hardaker completes the top five with 59-points in the bag.

E2 Standings – Top 5

  1. Daniel MILNER 100
  2. Joshua GREEN 88
  3. Jeremy CARPENTIER 78
  4. Broc GRABHAM 70
  5. Brad HARDAKER 59

E1

The E1 championship is boiling up nicely with the top four riders covered by nineteen points. At the top of the charts is Luke Styke. The former motocross and supercross ace has taken out all rounds bar Round 2 when he was defeated by Lyndon Snodgrass.

Yamaha Active Yamalube Racing AORC Luke
Luke Styke

While Snodgrass may be doing the attacking when it comes to trying to chip away at Styke’s championship lead, he is also doing some defending as Michael Driscoll is breathing right down his neck just one point behind in third place.

One slip up this weekend from either Snodgrass or Driscoll, and Fraser Higlett could find himself possibly leaving this weekend in second place in the championship as he only sits four points behind Driscoll and a further five points behind Snodgrass.

E1 Standings – Top 5

  1. Luke STYKE 97
  2. Lyndon SNODGRASS 83
  3. Michael DRISCOLL 82
  4. Fraser HIGLETT 78
  5. Jonte REYNDERS 63

EJ

Kyron Bacon has proven that he is the man to hunt down in the EJ division. Bacon has scored four wins four starts in the 2019 season. Playing the second fiddle to Bacon so far has been Joshua Brierley, while Korey McMahon sits in third place in the championship fight after finishing third in all four rounds so far.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Kyron Bacon
Kyron Bacon – 2019 AORC

The fight is on for fourth place in the championship. Three points separate Cooper Sheidow, who sits on 66-points ahead of Nathan Howe on 65, with Riley Nancarrow in sixth place on 63-points.

EJ Standings – Top 5

  1. Kyron BACON 100
  2. Joshua BRIERLEY 88
  3. Korey MCMAHON 80
  4. Cooper SHEIDOW 66
  5. Nathan HOWE 65

Juniors

Moving to the Juniors and first off Blake Hollis has simply crushed his rivals in quest of his J4 championship crown. He heads into this weekend with 100-points to his name after winning all of the first four rounds.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Blake Hollis
Blake Hollis – 2019 AORC

Twelve points behind is Mackenzie Johnson, who has finished second to Hollis in all of the rounds. If Johnson wants to win this year’s title, he has to come up with some sort of plan to put a stop to Hollis… fast.

Rounding out the top five is Cody Chittick, Zac Perry and Oscar Collins. Leading the championship in the J3 class is Riley McGillivray, while Max Phillips holds a one-point lead over Campbell Hall in the J2 class.

J2 Standings – Top 5

  1. Max PHILLIPS 85
  2. Campbell HALL 84
  3. Billy HARGY 70
  4. Jett YARNOLD 65
  5. Luke CHELLAS 60

J3 Standings – Top 5

  1. Riley MCGILLIVRAY 97
  2. Kodi STEPHENS 82
  3. Will DENNETT 78
  4. Maxwell LIEBEKNECHT 65
  5. Jack BITHELL 61

J4 Standings – Top 5

  1. Blake HOLLIS 100
  2. Mackenzie JOHNSON 88
  3. Cody CHITTICK 70
  4. Zac PERRY 67
  5. Oscar COLLINS 65

Womens

Jess Gardiner leads the charge in the Women’s championship, and while it’s still early days in the season she looks like she is on course to claim her record breaking fifth championship title. Playing the bridesmaid to Gardiner at this current stage of the championship is newcomer Emma Milesevic, while snapping at heels is the 2013 champion in Emelie Karlsson.

AORC Dungog Jess Gardiner
Jess Gardiner

Womens Standings – Top 5

  1. Jessica GARDINER 100
  2. Emma MILESEVIC 82
  3. Emelie KARLSSON 80
  4. Ebony NIELSEN 74
  5. Danielle FOOT 68

Veterans & Masters

Lee Stephens will look to continue his winning ways in the Veterans class. Stephens is yet to be defeated in the 2019 season. Chris Thomas and Paul Chadwick round out the top three respectively.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Kirk Hutton
Kirk Hutton – 2019 AORC

Leading the merry way in the Masters Championship is Kirk Hutton, who wrapped up round wins in the opening three rounds, but finished second to Brad Williscroft at the fourth round. Hutton heads into this weekend with a healthy thirty-one-point lead over Peter Rudd, with Ian Jenner in third, two points behind Rudd.

Veterans Standings – Top 5

  1. Lee STEPHENS 100
  2. Chris THOMAS 78
  3. Paul CHADWICK 60
  4. Luke ABLITT 54
  5. Scott DUNN 44

Masters Standings – Top 5

  1. Kirk HUTTON 97
  2. Peter RUDD 66
  3. Ian JENNER 64
  4. Craig TREASURE 58
  5. John BAKER 55

Source: MCNews.com.au