All Riled up

That’s a wrap on the second last weekend of racing in the 2023 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC). Kyogle, New South Wales (NSW) put on a spectacular show for riders and spectators alike for Round 10, with hot weather, blue skies and super technical tracks to tackle.

After another tough day of high intensity Sprints, the winners on the MXstore test included Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) in E1, Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco) in Tefol E2, Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) in E3, Jess Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) in EW, Will Dennett (Yamaha Australia) in EJ and Davey Gear (Sinclair Electrical Naracoorte, Limestone Coast Motorcycles Naracoorte) in J4.

For our remaining Seniors on the WR450F test, Damian Smith (Husqvarna) came out on top in EM, Darren Lloyd (Husqvarna) in EV, Michael Byrnes (All Parts & Accessories, GASGAS) in EL and Ben Bertinazzi (KTM) in 2T. Lastly for our Juniors on the Offroad Advantage test we saw Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) claim another win in JG, Bradley Rayner (KTM Newcastle, Dungog MCC) in J3, Harry Gilbertson (Brandt John Deere, Sears Electrical) in J2, Levi Rossi (Paint Tech SA, Kessner Motorcycles) in J1 and Ryder Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) in JJ.

Fastest overall time was won by Reynders, who clocked off with a blistering time of 47:37.219.

E1

It was another stacked day of racing in E1 with the same final podium as seen in Round 9. Bacon clinched himself the top step thanks to a total time of 47:49.052.

Behind Bacon once again in second place was Korey McMahon (GASGAS Australia, Motorex). McMahon had a stellar day of racing throughout all four tests across the MXstore track but just couldn’t quite meet Bacon’s speed. McMahon finished Round 10 with a total time of 48:28.902.

Last but certainly not least is Cooper Sheidow (Yamaha). The Yamaha boarded racer has protected his coveted spot on the E1 podium, beating Will Price (Empire Kawasaki Off Road Team) and Brock Nichols (Husqvarna) for the glory. Sheidow finished four tests with a total time of 49:27.838.

2023 AORC Round 10 E1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 47:49.052
2. Korey McMahon (GASGAS Australia, Motorex) 48:28.902
3. Cooper Sheidow (Yamaha) 49:27.838
4. Will Price (Empire Kawasaki Off Road Team) 50:14.658
5. Brock Nichols (Husqvarna) 50:46.992

Tefol E2

Aint nothing but glory for Reynders to enjoy as he heads back home after this weekend in Kyogle. Claiming back-to-back Tefol E2 wins, Reynders continues to solidify his presence in the Championship and attempt to knock Josh Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) off of first place in Championship points.

For Round 10, Green conceded for second place once again. The Yamaha racer didn’t get off to the best start today which is reflected in today’s results. Green finished four rounds of the MXstore test with a total time of 48:15.001.

Rounding out the Tefol E2 Round 10 podium today is KTM’s Andy Wilksch (KTM Australia, Alpinestars). Seemingly back at 100%, the Victorian was breathing hard down Green’s neck as he fought to clinch second place. After four tests though, Wilksch ended in third with a total time of 48:23.865.

2023 AORC Round 10 E2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco) 47:37.21
2. Joshua Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 48:15.001
3. Andy Wilksch (KTM Australia, Alpinestars) 48:23.865
4. Jye Dickson (GASGAS) 48:54.094
5. Travis Silk (Pro-Moto Suspension, KTM) 49:32.962

E3

We predicted it yesterday and it came true! McGillivray screamed across the MXstore test to claim himself the E3 win, securing valuable Championship points. With a total time of 49:29.840, McGillivray tussled all day with Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) and Sam Pretscherer (Simford Motorsport Group) for the top step.

Less than 10 seconds behind McGillivray, Granquist finished Round 10 in second place. With only a few points separating the Husqvarna and KTM racers from the Championship title, it’ll all come down to their performance in Dungog.

Pretscherer took out third today, thanks to a total time of 50:20.791.

2023 AORC Round 10 E3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) 49:29.840
2. Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) 49:38.613
3. Sam Pretscherer (Simford Motorsport Group) 50:20.791
4. Patrick McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, Tunetech Suspension) 51:10.637
5. Thomas Henry (Beta) 52:05.419

EW

Gardiner is looking very comfortable as she leaves Kyogle with even more Championship points for the 2023 EW title. After four tough tests, Gardiner clocked off with a total time of 55:41.185. Although the conditions were challenging and the heat added an extra flair, Gardiner utilised her patience and perseverance to remain on top.

Husqvarna’s Karlsson jumped up into second place for Round 10, right on Gardiner’s heels. With a total time of 55:56.487, Karlsson made her EW rival work hard to earn first place. At the same time, Karlsson also had to tango with Ebony Nielsen (Beta), beating the Queensland rider by less than eight seconds.

Nielsen settled for third today, with a total time of 56:04.368.

2023 AORC Round 10 EW Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 55:41.185
2. Emelie Karlsson (Husqvarna) 55:56.487
3. Ebony Nielsen (Beta) 56:04.368
4. Taylor Thompson (GASGAS Australia, Motorex) 42:15.657
5. Ariana Collins (Husqvarna) 43:29.494

EJ

Kyogle has treated Dennett very well as he heads home with consecutive EJ wins under his belt. With a total time of 48:06.427, the Yamaha racer was well ahead of his competition as he clocked in extremely fast test times all day. As we head into the final two Rounds in October, Dennett is looking primed to comfortably take out the EJ Championship title.

Behind Dennett in second place for Round 10 was Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team). With a total time of 49:11.429, the Husqvarna boarded racer just couldn’t meet Dennett’s pace but comfortably protected silver from the rest of the EJ pack.

Last but certainly not least was Jett Yarnold (Yamaha Australia, Yamalube) who has won himself back-to-back bronze. After four goes around the MXstore test, Yarnold finished with a total time of 50:25.686.

2023 AORC Round 10 EJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Will Dennett (Yamaha Australia) 48:06.427
2. Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team) 49:11.429
3. Jett Yarnold (Yamaha Australia, Yamalube) 50:25.686
4. Jackson Horley (MPE, GASGAS) 50:57.862
5. Max Midwinter (Ridetune Suspension, Banks Race Development) 51:21.375

EM (Masters)

Nothing could stop Smith as he claimed back-to-back EM wins here in Kyogle. The NSW local was seemingly at home on the challenging WR450F test track, clocking off after 4 tests with a total time of 53:48.988. Leigh Bentley (Yamaha) once again claimed second place, earnt thanks to a total time of 57:57.833.

Rounding out the EM podium for Round 10 was Loui Stylianou (GASGAS). After four tests, Stylianou clocked off with a total time of 1:01:52.884.

2023 AORC Round 10 EM Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Damian Smith (Husqvarna) 53:48.988
2. Leigh Bentley (Yamaha) 57:57.833
3. Loui Stylianou (GASGAS) 1:01:52.884
4. Jamie Armstrong (Alpine Motorcycles, Yamaha) 1:02:25.094
5. Vito Porto (GASGAS) 1:02:58.438

EV (Veterans)

It was another fantastic win for Lloyd, as he screamed across the WR450F test track. After four tests, Lloyd absolutely dominated the EV competition to finish with a total time of 55:32.895. Behind Lloyd in second place, after jumping up from third yesterday, was Rowan Pumpa (Kessner Motorcycles, Motorex). Pumpa battled with Terry Hopmans (Yamaha) for the silver but after four laps, it was Pumpa who claimed the position, thanks to a total time of 57:05.231.

Hopmans claimed the third and final podium spot, with a total time of 57:39.726.

2023 AORC Round 10 EV Top 5 Provisional Result:

1. Darren Lloyd (Husqvarna) 55:32.895
2. Rowan Pumpa (Kessner Motorcycles, Motorex) 57:05.231
3. Terry Hopmans (Yamaha) 57:39.726
4. Josh Wilson (KTM) 59:28.059
5. Josh Murphy (Driftcon, KTM) 1:00:31.763

EL (Enduro Legends)

The WR450F might have been a tough track but that didn’t stop Byrnes from claiming consecutive class wins here in Kyogle. With a total time of 1:00:52.541, Byrnes finished just ahead of Grant O’Brien (Beta) in second place. In third today for EL was Zac Williams (Husqvarna), who clocked off after four tests with a total time of 1:02:27.420.

2023 AORC Round 10 EL Top 5 Provisional Result:

1. Michael Byrnes (All Parts & Accessories, GASGAS) 1:00:52.541
2. Grant O’Brien (Beta) 1:01:18.112
3. Zac Williams (Husqvarna) 1:02:27.420
4. Craig Treasure (Husqvarna) 1:02:31.941
5. Nathan Cover (KTM) 1:05:09.420

2T

Over in 2T, Bertinazzi once again truly decimated the competition. Screaming across the WR450F test, Bertinazzi clocked off with a total time of 55:19.652. In second place today was Tim Newman (Clearview Innovations, GASGAS), who finished four tests with a total time of 1:06:48.768. Close behind Newman in third place for Round 10 was Blake Scott (KTM). Scott clocked off today with a total time of 1:07:23.845.

2023 AORC Round 10 2T Top 5 Provisional Result:

1. Ben Bertinazzi (KTM) 55:19.652
2. Tim Newman (Clearview Innovations, GASGAS) 1:06:48.768
3. Blake Scott (KTM) 1:07:23.845
4. Mahdi Green (Clearview Innovations, KTM) 1:09:15.360
5. Anthony Wakeham 1:32:23.522

EWD (Enduro Women’s Development)

The EWD class tackled another day of  tricky and super technical tests for Round 10. After four tests, Gemma Rankine (KTM) clocked off with a total time of 1:19:59.903.

2023 AORC Round 10 EWD Provisional Result:

1. Gemma Rankine (KTM) 1:19:59.903

J4

Jumping up from fifth to first today was none other than Gear. What he struggled with yesterday clearly did not faze the South Australian for Round 10. Gear clocked off four tests with a total time of 52:19.189.

Breathing down Gear’s neck all day was Jackson Versteegen (Savage Motorcycles, Michelin). Roughly 15 seconds separated him from the top step. Versteegen had to concede for silver with a total time of 52:34.445. Rounding out the J4 podium today was Zane Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team), thanks to a total time of 52:59.130. With such a tightly packed field in the top five and seconds separating a winner from a runner up, J4 is definitely a class to watch if you want to enjoy the action.

2023 AORC Round 10 J4 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Davey Gear (Sinclair Electrical Naracoorte, Limestone Coast Motorcycles Naracoorte) 52:19.189
2. Jackson Versteegen (Savage Motorcycles, Michelin) 52:34.445
3. Zane Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) 52:59.130
4. Riley Crimmins (KTM) 53:02.099
5. Ryan Jordan (NW Motorcycles D Signs) 53:11.909

JG

It may come as no surprise considering her fine form this season but McDonald has won herself another JG win here in Kyogle. Leaving with consecutive class wins, McDonald is looking primed for that Championship title. The Yamaha boarded racer finished today with a total time of 28:23.190.

In second place today was Jade Chellas (KTM). Chellas fought with Tia Bowers (Two Wheel Obsession, Yamaha) for the silver, coming out victorious thanks to a total time of 33:30.758. Bowers clinched the last podium spot, with a total time of 34:08.447.

2023 AORC Round 10 JG Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 28:23.190
2. Jade Chellas (KTM) 33:30.758
3. Tia Bowers (Two Wheel Obsession, Yamaha) 34:08.447
4. Sinead Maher (Simford Group Motorsport) 34:34.979
5. Amity Cork (Corkys Electrical, Beta) 34:59.103

J3

Only 0.581 seconds separated first and second in J3 today! Coming out on the top step for Round 10 was Rayner, who leaves Kyogle with back-to-back J3 wins. Right behind Rayner in second place was Dylan McDonald (McDonald Racing). Rayner and McDonald finished Round 10 with respective total times of 27:52.070 and 27:52.651.

Finally, Ollie Gear (Limestone Coast Motorcycles, Yamaha Australia) claimed the last remaining podium spot. In third, Gear clocked off todays racing with a total time of 28:10.622.

2023 AORC Round 10 J3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Bradley Rayner (KTM Newcastle, Dungog MCC) 27:52.070
2. Dylan McDonald (McDonald Racing) 27:52.651
3. Ollie Gear (Limestone Coast Motorcycles, Yamaha Australia) 28:10.622
4. Cooper Boyd (Port Macquarie Motorcycles, Mid Coast Bearings Taree) 28:48.695
5. Drew Kremer (GASGAS Newcastle, Promine Racing) 28:52.958

J2

Harley Hutton (GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing) was knocked off the top step today by Gilbertson! With a total time of 29:31.004, Gilbertson had his work cut out for him as he pushed his bike to the nth degree for the win. Hutton conceded for second place, right behind Gilbertson thanks to a total time of 29:47.394.

Rounding out the podium today in J2 was Mitch Ford (Thrila Furnikation Rynopower Rivalnink). After four goes around the Offroad Advantage, Ford clocked off with a total time of 29:50.858.

2023 AORC Round 10 J2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Harry Gilbertson (Brandt John Deere, Sears Electrical) 29:31.004
2. Harley Hutton (GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing) 29:47.394
3. Mitch Ford (Thrila Furnikation Rynopower Rivalnink) 29:50.858
4. Nate Munro (Powerhouse Motorcycles, 501 Motorsports) 30:04.974
5. Ritchie Lawler (KTM) 30:10.637

J1

It was action central in J1 today as mere seconds separated the top five from the top step! After four laps of the Offroad Advantage test, Levi Rossi took out his consecutive J1 class win thanks to a total time of 31:08.436. Right behind Rossi in second was once again, Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus). Weston fended off Phoenix O’Brien (Inix Group, Montdami Bongiorno) for the silver, with each rider clocking off with consecutive total times of 31:16.235 and 31:46.116.

2023 AORC Round 10 J1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Levi Rossi (Paint Tech SA, Kessner Motorcycles) 31:08.436
2. Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus) 31:16.235
3. Phoenix O’Brien (Inix Group, Montdami Bongiorno) 31:46.116
4. Darcy Huston (Citycoast Motorcycles, Holeshot graphics) 31:57.608
5. Cooper Clarke (Maiden Homes, KTM) 32:17.496

JJ

The glory carried on into Round 10 for McDonald Racing Team’s Burchell! Thanks to a total time of 34:39.076, the little speedster was comfortably ahead of his competition all day as he rode the Offroad Advantage test.

Finishing in second for Round 10 was Ryder Lambing (GasMoto, Monza Imports), who jumped up from his third place finish yesterday. Lambing clocked off todays with a total time of 35:17.341. Hot on Lambing’s heels with nearly five seconds between them was Maxi Harris (Morgans Financial Port Macquarie, KTM). Harris earnt third place thanks o a total time of 35:22.082.

2023 AORC Round 10 JJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Ryder Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) 34:39.076
2. Ryder Lambing (GasMoto, Monza Imports) 35:17.341
3. Maxi Harris (Morgans Financial Port Macquarie, KTM) 35:22.082
4. Thomas Hathway (Get Switched On) 38:28.924
5. Sonny Lister (Husqvarna) 39:19.067

We now leave Kyogle and head south to Dungog, NSW for the series finale featuring an Enduro format from 14-15 October.

Words by Caitlin Hynes. Images by Troy Pears.