An epic Gran-quest for McGillivray

Unforgettable memories have been made here in Dungog, at the finale of the 2023 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC). By enduring high heats and dusty, dry tracks, Cooper Sheidow (Yamaha) has been crowned the 2023 AORC Champion in E1, Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) in E3, Craig Treasure (Husqvarna) in EL, Riley Crimmins (KTM) in J4, Bradley Rayner (KTM Newcastle, Dungog MCC) in J3, Mitch Ford (Rynopower Rival Ink DnR Motorcycles) in J2, Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus) in J1 and Ryder Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) in JJ.

At the end of Round 12 for another timecard Enduro, the Senior class winners included Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) in E1, Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco) in E2, McGillivray in E3, Jess Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) in EW, Damian Smith (Husqvarna) in EM, Darren Lloyd (Husqvarna) in EV, Stephen Matheson (Bite Me Bakehouse, SMW Hornsby) in EL and Blake Scott (KTM) in 2T.

For our Juniors, today’s Round 12 winners included Will Dennett (Yamaha Australia) in EJ, Crimmins in J4, Jade Chellas (KTM) in JG, Rayner in J3, Ford in J2, Weston in J1 and Ryder Lambing (GasMoto, Monza Imports) in JJ.

Fastest overall time today was won by Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco), who smashed it out of the park with a total time of 37:51.533.

E1

Finishing in third place for Round 12 with a total time of 39:23.565, Sheidow has now been officially crowned the 2023 AORC E3 Champion! Congratulations, Cooper on a fantastic season! Over six tests during today’s timecard Enduro, Sheidow remained steady and consistent, which successfully secured him the season title.

“Conditions were tough and an Enduro both days made it even harder,” confirmed Sheidow.

“Being my first title, it’s a pretty great feeling! It was a team effort and the hard work paid off!”

Coming in first place today was Bacon. Cracking the whip in E1 all day, Bacon smoked the E1 competition by just under one-minute to claim the top step. His efforts this weekend unfortunately means he does not walk away with back-to-back Championship titles.

Rounding out the E1 podium was GASGAS’s Korey McMahon in second place. McMahon clocked off with a total time of 39:22.868, less than one-second ahead of Sheidow.

2023 AORC Round 12 E1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 38:10.826
2. Korey McMahon (GASGAS Australia, Motorex) 39:22.868
3. Cooper Sheidow (Yamaha) 39:23.565
4. Brock Nichols (Husqvarna) 39:39.039
5. Troy Weinert (KTM) 44:32.117

Tefol E2

With the Champion decided yesterday, you’d think the heat would die down in Tefol E2. Not the case. Reynders was on fire as he pushed his Sherco to the limit, clocking in the fastest overall time for the day and the Round 12 win. Reynders has consistently clocked in top times all season, so we’re sure he’ll back it up in 2024.

Finishing in second place today was Fraser Higlett (Beta Motorcycles Australia). With a total time of 39:17.913, Higlett just beat Andy Wilksch (KTM Australia, Alpinestars) and Jeremy Carpentier (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) to the silver, with mere seconds separating these three riders. Wilksch stole away the third and final podium position from Carpentier.

2023 AORC Round 12 E2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco) 37:51.533
2. Fraser Higlett (Beta Motorcycles Australia) 39:17.913
3. Andy Wilksch (KTM Australia, Alpinestars) 39:20.380
4. Jeremy Carpentier (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 39:21.308
5. Joshua Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 39:25.997

E3

It came down to the literal sixth and final test to decide who would come away with the coveted 2023 AORC E3 Championship title. Congratulations to McGillivray on taking home the title, it was a mammoth effort! McGillivray clocked off after a long day on the bike with a total time of 39:17.217, ensuring he won both the Championship and Round 12.

“I was trying everything I could to keep on two wheels and it paid off,” reflected McGillivray.

:It’s an unreal feeling and more than anything, it’s a relief. I’d like to give a massive thanks to my family who are my biggest supporters and drive me around Australia to compete. Massive thanks too to KTM Offroad team, Jonesy at the Tunetech team, Monza crew, A1 accessories, Motorex and Maxxis tyres. This is a massive team effort.”

Though he fought like hell to win the title, Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) fell mere seconds short of the glory. Finishing in second place today, the Husqvarna racer clocked off with a total time of 39:29.543. Granquist has had a super successful season, especially considering he return from an injury back in 2022.

Last but certainly not least was Sam Pretscherer (Simford Motorsport Group) in third. The Simford racer has been a steady presence all season, applying unrelenting pressure to both McGillivray and Granquist, in his campaign for the top step. We are keen to see what Pretscherer does next season.

2023 AORC Round 12 E3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) 39:17.217
2. Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) 39:29.543
3. Sam Pretscherer (Simford Motorsport Group) 40:07.034
4. Broc Grabham (KTM) 40:21.375
5. Wesley Keeley (KTM) 40:33.198

EW

The tough and technical tracks suited our eight-time EW Champion very nicely again today. Gardiner seemed at home in the dusty, dry and hot conditions as she came away with another class win. Clocking off with a total time of 44:58.361, Gardiner finished in first after six tests.

Ebony Nielsen (Beta) rode into second, just behind Gardiner. The technical tracks clearly are a favourite of the Beta racer, as she remained a strong contender for the top step all day long.

Husqvarna’s Emelie Karlsson took out the third and final podium spot, thanks to a total time of 46:34.082. She fought right up to the end to beat Nielsen but conceded for third, trailing by nearly 30 seconds.

2023 AORC Round 12 EW Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 44:58.361
2. Ebony Nielsen (Beta) 46:04.448
3. Emelie Karlsson (Husqvarna) 46:34.082
4. Courtney Rubie (KTM) 49:11.322
5. Ariana Collins (Husqvarna) 1:32:15.840

EJ

After eight tests in todays Enduro, Dennett managed to hold off Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team) to clinch another EJ class win. The 2023 AORC EJ Champion clocked off with a total time of 45:49.628, leading the charge ahead of his Husqvarna rival by just over five seconds.

Hargy rode into second place, with a total time of 45:54.942. Rounding out the podium was Yamaha’s Jett Yarnold, who clocked off with a total time of 47:22.545.

2023 AORC Round 12 EJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Will Dennett (Yamaha Australia) 45:49.628
2. Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team) 45:54.942
3. Jett Yarnold (Yamaha Australia, Yamalube) 47:22.545
4. Max Midwinter (Ride tune, Blue City Motorcycles) 48:29.585
5. Luke Chellas (Northbound Driver Training, KTM) 48:33.756

EM (Masters)

Smith once again claimed an undisputed first place finish in EM. With a red-hot total time of 42:27.142, Smith finished nearly two-minutes ahead of his competition, even after six tests under the hot Dungog sun. Behind Smith in second place today (again) was the 2023 EM Champion, Leigh Bentley (Yamaha).

Finally, Sam Miller (Hartley Service Centre, KTM) earnt himself bronze, thanks to a total time of 48:40.780.

2023 AORC Round 12 EM Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Damian Smith (Husqvarna) 42:27.142
2. Leigh Bentley (Yamaha) 44:25.375
3. Sam Miller (Hartley Service Centre, KTM) 48:40.780
4. Loui Stylianou (GASGAS) 50:07.261
5. Stephen Hicks (Husqvarna) 50:30.174

EV (Veterans)

It was a battle of consistency and perseverance today in EV, as Lloyd and Rowan Pumpa battled it out for gold. After six tests in today’s timecard Enduro though, Lloyd just couldn’t be beat. Rowan Pumpa (Kessner Motorcycles, Motorex), our 2023 EV Champion, settled for silver with a total time of 43:29.900.

The third and final podium spot was clinched by Brett McDonnell (KTM), with a total time of 44:44.451.

2023 AORC Round 12 EV Top 5 Provisional Result:

1. Darren Lloyd (Husqvarna) 42:21.572
2. Rowan Pumpa (Kessner Motorcycles, Motorex) 43:29.900
3. Brett McDonnell (KTM) 44:44.451
4. Josh Murphy (Driftcon, KTM) 49:06.619
5. Ben McDonnell 49:40.246

EL (Enduro Legends)

It was a repeat of Round 11 in EL, as Matheson claimed the top step ahead of Craig Treasure (Husqvarna) in second and Jason Pearce (KTM) in third. After six gruelling laps where you had to fight body and mind, Matheson clocked the top EL time of 47:57.932.

Treasure and Pearce finished Round 12 with respective total times of 49:28.779 and 51:04.585.

2023 AORC Round 12 EL Top 4 Provisional Result:

1. Stephen Matheson (Bite Me Bakehouse, SMW Hornsby) 47:57.932
2. Craig Treasure (Husqvarna) 49:28.779
3. Jason Pearce (KTM) 51:04.585
4. Michael Thompson (Beta) 53:55.170

2T

Scott once again took out the top step in 2T ahead of Tim Newman (Clearview Innovations, GASGAS). After six tests in today’s Enduro, their respective total times were 52:17.902 and 54:15.605.

2023 AORC Round 12 2T Top 2 Provisional Result:

1. Blake Scott (KTM) 52:17.902
2. Tim Newman (Clearview Innovations, GASGAS) 54:15.605

J4

The heat was palpable in J4 as Crimmins fought tooth and nail to ensure he claimed the 2023 AORC J4 Championship title. Congratulations, Riley in the fantastic end of a season! After six tests, Crimmins earnt himself gold for Round 12 thanks to a total time of 36:17.675.

Right behind Crimmins and settling for second place today was Jackson Versteegen (Savage Motorcycles, Michelin). There was nearly 27 seconds between first and second place, as Versteegen clocked off with a total time of 36:44.975.

Bronze for Round 12 was secured by Tomas Porto (Empire Kawasaki, Onpoint Suspension), thanks to a total time of 36:56.659. Porto was breathing hard down Versteegen and Crimmins’ necks all day but after six tests, conceded for third.

2023 AORC Round 12 J4 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Riley Crimmins (KTM) 36:17.675
2. Jackson Versteegen (Savage Motorcycles, Michelin) 36:44.975
3. Tomas Porto (Empire Kawasaki, Onpoint Suspension) 36:56.659
4. Ryan Jordan (NW Motorcycles D Signs) 37:48.492
5. Oliver Paterno (Port Macquarie Motorcycles) 38:05.947

JG

Today looked a little different in JG, as we welcomed Chellas onto the top step to cap off a strong 2023 season for the KTM rider. With a total time of 47:01.853, Chellas kept well ahead of the JG competition over a tough six tests.

Rounding out the remaining podium positions was Sinead Maher (Simford Group Motorsport) and Amity Cork (Corkys Electrical, Beta). After six tests their respective total times were 49:29.023 and 50:36.740.

2023 AORC Round 12 JG Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Jade Chellas (KTM) 47:01.853
2. Sinead Maher (Simford Group Motorsport) 49:29.023
3. Amity Cork (Corkys Electrical, Beta) 50:36.740
4. Olivia Johnson (Husqvarna) 56:08.910
5. Jessie Harris 1:13:09.918

J3

It came down to the wire in J3 for the Championship title, as Rayner and Dylan McDonald (McDonald Racing) tangoed for the top step. After six tough tests here in Dungog, Rayner pushed hell for leather to claim brilliant victory! Congratulations, Bradley!

McDonald conceded for second place today, with a total time of 37:27.442. Ollie Gear (Limestone Coast Motorcycles, Yamaha Australia) flew up the leader board today to claim third place, thanks to a total time of 37:39.548.

In the end, the competition was fierce in J3, particularly in the top five with only about two-minutes separating first and fifth.

2023 AORC Round 12 J3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Bradley Rayner (KTM Newcastle, Dungog MCC) 36:28.500
2. Dylan McDonald (McDonald Racing) 37:27.442
3. Ollie Gear (Limestone Coast Motorcycles, Yamaha Australia) 37:39.548
4. Cooper Boyd (Port Macquarie Motorcycles, Mid Coast Bearings Taree) 38:05.536
5. Drew Kremer (GASGAS Newcastle, Promine Racing) 38:11.779

J2

It was the crowned 2023 AORC J2 Champion who took out both first place in Round 12 and the 2023 season title today! Congratulations, Mitch on the great weekend of racing! With a total time of 40:13.067, Ford protected the top step from Harley Hutton (GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing), who settled for second place with a total time of 40:45.211.

Harry Gilbertson (Brandt John Deere, Sears Electrical) claimed bronze today, jumping up from his struggles yesterday.

2023 AORC Round 12 J2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Mitch Ford (Rynopower Rival Ink DnR Motorcycles) 40:13.067
2. Harley Hutton (GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing) 40:45.211
3. Harry Gilbertson (Brandt John Deere, Sears Electrical) 41:02.385
4. Kai Austin (Wauchope Concrete, RSM Motorcycles) 41:18.449
5. Harry Hubbard (Tdub, QB4) 41:31.462

J1

Chase by name, Chase by nature. Weston chased out the top step for the Round 12 podium and after eight tests in today’s timecard Enduro, he came out on top! With a total time of 42:54.850, Weston beat Phoenix O’Brien (Inix Group, Montdami Bongiorno) for the gold, leaving O’Brien to concede for silver.

Today’s excellent racing also earnt Weston the 2023 AORC J1 Championship title! Congratulations on the well-deserved success, Chase!

Rounding out the Round 12 podium in J1 today was Levi Rossi (Paint Tech SA, Kessner Motorcycles). After eight tests, Rossi clocked off with a total time of 45:01.691.

2023 AORC Round 12 J1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus) 42:54.850
2. Phoenix O’Brien (Inix Group, Montdami Bongiorno) 44:30.897
3. Levi Rossi (Paint Tech SA, Kessner Motorcycles) 45:01.691
4. Cooper Parkes (Coffs KTM, Wauchope Concreting) 45:31.356
5. Rusty Killick (MXstore, Glen Echo Dirt Bike Park) 46:21.054

JJ

The Champion of the hour! Burchell finished another hard slog of timecard Enduro racing to win himself the 2023 AORC JJ Championship title. Congratulations, Ryder! After eight tests for Round 12, Burchell clocked off with a total time of 49:25.783, putting him in third place for today’s podium.

The Round 12 podium was clinched by Burchell’s familiar rival, Lambing. Lambing blitzed a trail all day, finishing with a total time of 48:45.343. Behind Lambing in second place was Maxi Harris (Morgans Financial Port Macquarie, KTM). With a total time of 49:16.789, Harris managed to protect his silver place finish for Round 12 ahead of the 2023 Champion by less than 10 seconds.

2023 AORC Round 12 JJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Ryder Lambing (GasMoto, Monza Imports) 48:45.343
2. Maxi Harris (Morgans Financial Port Macquarie, KTM) 49:16.789
3. Ryder Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) 49:25.783
4. Thomas Hathway (Get Switched On) 52:59.262
5. Zain Lennon (GASGAS) 54:30.317

Here we are, at the end of all of it. Congratulations to all our 2023 Champions – you’ve tackled some of our toughest tracks to date and came out victorious. Stay tuned for the release of the 2024 racing calendar.

Words by Caitlin Hynes. Images by Troy Pears.