Leaning Into Yamaha AORC Dungog 

Ahead of the much-anticipated Rounds five and six of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) at Dungog, New South Wales. AORC Track Accessor Trent Lean gives the low down on what to expect from Dungog and who to keep your eye out for as AORC returns from the mid-season break.

Lean has been the AORC Track Accessor since 2016 fresh of taking out the master’s title a staggering five times between 2011-2015 and during that he was also the team manager for the Suzuki Off-Road Team. To add to these roles Lean is also the Dungog Motorcycle Club President and what better person could we speak to about what to expect at Dungog on July 28-29.

In a season where the field has prayed for rain, it is looking like the rider’s prayers may have been answered with Dungog seeing its fair share of rain.

“The weather has been really kind to us up to this point, we don’t need anymore rain as the conditions now will be ideal. A bit of sunshine between now and July 28 will dry out the pit area and make it great for everyone, if we get more rain the pits might be a little bit wet.”

“The seniors and juniors can both expect two tests, there will be an enduro test and Cross test. The cross test will be predominately grass track and will be a flowy test, whereas the enduro test will be more technical with the dry creek bed and tree stumps similar to Hedley. The senior trail has a lot of single tracks, so it will be a great ride for all involved.”

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The conditions are set to bring high quality racing to Dungog but the question will be can Daniel Milner (E3), Daniel Sanders (E2), Luke Styke (E1) and Michael Driscoll (EJ) all keep their perfect seasons going.

“Milner and Sanders have been the stand out guys in the field, they have been on another level and showing serious speed to be both leading their respective classes. Luke Styke has been a surprise packet in the E1 class after making the move from motocross, he is showing the field in E1 how to do it. Driscoll continues to impress in EJ after taking the title in 2017 but looks to have improved again this season.”

“I don’t see things changing at Dungog, with these riders all comfortable on both the grass and enduro tracks. I am really looking forward to seeing all these guys going at it at Dungog and if they can keep their unbeaten records intact with this being the first time-carded enduro of this season.”

In an AORC first, there will be a 125cc Cup and Vintage support class and Lean shared his thoughts on which class he would run and why.

“I like looking at Vintage bikes, but I don’t think I would be putting my hand up to ride one, although I’m far to heavy (laughs) and lacking the ability (laughs) I would certainly choose the 125cc and enjoy the ride,” finished Lean.

AORC’s next round is just 18 days away in Dungog, New South Wales for Round 5 & 6 on July 28-29, don’t forget to enter, click here.

Stay up to date with all the happenings of the 2018 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship by visiting the brand new AORC website at www.aorc.org.au! or by following the AORC on Facebook as well as @aorc on Instagram.

Photos courtesy of John Pearson Media