Everyone is Green with envy

Mendooran featured blue skies, warm weather and fantastic Sprint tests for Round 2 of the 2023 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC). Coming out victorious for back-to-back class wins was Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) in E1, Josh Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) in E2, Sam Pretscherer (Simford Motorsport Group) in E3, Will Dennett (Yamaha Australia) in EJ and Taylor Thompson (Excite Motorsports, Yamaha) in EW.

Fastest time today was clinched by Bacon, setting a blistering speed to clock in 50:41.269.

With no further rainfall overnight, tracks weren’t as primed as Round 1, which presented a new challenge on navigating thoroughly chewed up ruts and loamy, sandy conditions. Racing on the WR450F test was E1, E2, E3, EJ, J4, 2T and Pony Express, with Davey Gear (Limestone Coast Motorcycles, Yamaha) winning J4, Brodie Brainwood (Toosharp Boxing, Husqvarna) in 2T and Team Kilvington in Pony Express.

Over on the Ballards MXstore test was our remaining Seniors, including EW, with Damian Smith (Husqvarna) winning EM, Nathan Brochtrup (DK Heavy Plant & Services, Peelys) in EV, Gregory Wilson (KTM) in EL and Shaylynne Kuhnke in EWD. For our Juniors on the Offroad Advantage test, it was Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) who won in JG, Ollie Gear (Limestone Coast Newcastle, Yamaha) in J3, Harry Gilbertson (Brandt John Deere, Sears Electrical) in J2, Darcy Huston (Citycoast Motorcycles, Holeshot graphics) in J1 and Ryder Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) in JJ.

E1

The party continues for Bacon as he heads back to Tasmania with back-to-back Round wins in E1. Scoring the class win and the fastest overall time of the day, Bacon has definitely set the pace for the rest of the season.

Behind Bacon in second was Korey McMahon (GasGas Australia, Suttos Powersports), who finished six Sprints across the WR450F test with a total time of 52:20.508. McMahon has been a formidable opponent to Bacon all weekend, breathing down his neck in the fight for the top step.

The final podium spot was once again won by Cooper Sheidow (Yamaha). Sheidow comfortably protected his third place standing in E1, finishing today with a total time of 53:33.691.

2023 AORC Round 2 E1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 50:41.269
2. Korey McMahon (GasGas Australia, Suttos Powersports) 52:20.508
3. Cooper Sheidow (Yamaha) 53:33.691
4. Will Price (Empire Kawasaki Off Road Team) 56:18.266
5. Brock Nichols (Husqvarna) 58:30.713

E2

Green brought his success from yesterday into Round 2 but he couldn’t quite beat Bacon to a consecutive fastest overall time. Instead, Green celebrated a hard fought and well earnt E2 class win. With a total time of 51:34.596, he was just ahead of Jye Dickson (Gas Gas) in second, who finished with a total time of 51:47.169.

Last but certainly not least was Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco Racing Team). After a tough day of racing yesterday, Reynders has returned to the podium in third, with a total time of 53:44.426. Reynders kept Fraser Higlett (Beta) off the podium, with a lead of nearly 10 seconds.

2023 AORC Round 2 E2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Joshua Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 51:34.596
2. Jye Dickson (Gas Gas) 51:47.169
3. Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco Racing Team) 53:44.426
4. Fraser Higlett (Beta) 53:54.238
5. Kodi Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle)  54:54.996

E3

The podium looked very familiar today in E3, as Pretscherer was joined by Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) and Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) in second and third. Following on from his success in Round 1, Pretscherer kept the good times going by absolutely dominating the E3 field, finishing Round 2 with a total time of 53:26.947.

Granquist comfortably claimed second, with a total time of 55:01.773. After the injury he incurred at this location in 2022, the Husqvarna racer was completely unfazed and in perfect form for the opening Rounds. KTM’s McGillivray protected his third place spot on the podium, finishing six Sprints across the WR450F test with a total time of 55:48.929.

2023 AORC Round 2 E3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Sam Pretscherer (Simford Motorsport Group) 53:26.947
2. Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) 55:01.773
3. Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) 55:48.929  
4. Patrick McGillivray (KTM) 58:32.200
5. Luke Bunnik (Beta, Limestone Coast Motorcycles) 1:01:34.829

EW

Thompson just couldn’t be beat today in EW. Utilising her Motocross skills on the wide open straights of the Ballards MXstore test, Thompson created a near three minute lead ahead of 2022 EW Champion, Jess Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team). Thompson finished six Sprints with a total time of 1:13:03.235.

Gardiner rode into a comfortable second place today, finishing a hard day of riding with a total time of 1:16:02.384.

Last but certainly not least is Emelie Karlsson (Husqvarna), who claimed the bronze for Round 2 with a total time of 1:21:59.974.

2023 AORC Round 2 EW Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Taylor Thompson (Excite Motorsports, Yamaha) 1:13:03.235
2. Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 1:16:02.384
3. Emelie Karlsson (Husqvarna) 1:21:59.974
4. Courtney Rubie (KTM Newcastle) 1:27:03.043
5. Ariana Collins (Husqvarna) 1:28:55.170

EJ

Nothing could touch Yamaha’s Dennett in EJ, as he finished today’s hard slog of racing in first place. With a total time of 52:56.796, Dennett was more than three minutes ahead of his class competition.

Seth Burchell took his learnings from yesterday and clearly improved, jumping up the field into second place with a total time of 56:17.924. Behind Burchell in third was Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team). Hargy, like Burchell, utilised his experience from yesterday to become familiar with the conditions which ensured his got on the podium. Hargy finished today with a total time of 56:37.033.

2023 AORC Round 2 EJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. William Dennett (Yamaha Australia) 52:56.796
2. Seth Burchell 56:17.924
3. Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team) 56:37.033
4. Campbell Hall (Yamaha) 57:04.967
5. Luke Chellas (KTM) 57:10.525

EM (Masters)

The good times just kept coming for Smith here in Mendooran, as he claimed another EM win! With a total time of 1:14:26.724, Smith remained right at the front of the pack across the Ballards MXstore test.

Behind Smith in second place was Leigh Bentley (Yamaha), with a total time of 1:16:58.480. Rounding out the podium after six tough laps, was Jason Pearce (KTM) with a total time of 1:17:52.392.

2023 AORC Round 2 EM Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Damien Smith (Husqvarna) 1:14:26.724
2. Leigh Bentley (Yamaha) 1:16:58.480
3. Jason Pearce (KTM) 1:17:52.392
4. Darren Grattan (KTM) 1:20:26.237
5. Loui Stylianou (Gas Gas) 1:25:54.642

EV (Veterans)

Brochtrup came in swinging today, looking to beat Lee Stephens to the gold. After six laps across the Ballards MXstore test, he did just that! With a total time of 1:11:40.673, Brochtrup finished in first ahead of Darren Lloyd (Bagger Brother Cycles) in second.

Lloyd won silver with a total time of 1:13:51.858. Rounding out the EV podium for Round 2 was Christopher Thomas (Thomas Lee KTM), with a total time of 1:16:19.781.

2023 AORC Round 2 EV Top 5 Provisional Result:

1. Nathan Brochtrup (DK Heavy Plant & Services, Peelys) 1:11:40.673
2. Darren Lloyd (Bagger Brother Cycles) 1:13:51.858
3. Christopher Thomas (Thomas Lee KTM) 1:16:19.781
4. Jeffrey Briggs (Gas Gas) 1:18:20.815
5. Rowan Pumpa (Kessner Motorcycles, Motorex) 1:19:37.199

EL (Enduro Legends)

Craig Treasure (Husqvarna) was booted off the top step today in EL, by Wilson. With a total time of 1:31:04.032 after six Sprints across the Ballards MXstore test, Wilson kept an impressive lead ahead of Treasure by more than three minutes.

Treasure finished today with a total time of 1:34:43.334, ahead of Talen Keys (Yamaha) in third, who clocked off with a total time of 1:39:06.161. Keys had a hard day fighting for bronze, with just milliseconds separating him and Robert Dummer.

2023 AORC Round 2 EL Top 5 Provisional Result:

1. Gregory Wilson (KTM) 1:31:04.032
2. Craig Treasure (Husqvarna) 1:34:43.334
3. Talen Keys (Yamaha) 1:39:06.161
4. Robert Dummer 1:39:06.622
5. Wayne Smith (Ray Smith Electrical) 1:41:17.458

2T (2 Stroke Cup)

Brainwood undeniably protected his first place position in 2T, finishing once again on the top step. With a total time of 1:08:33.439, Brainwood finished more than 20 minutes ahead of second. Claiming second for Round 2 was Tim Newman (Gas Gas), with a total time of 1:28:56.362.

2023 AORC Round 2 2T Top 2 Provisional Result:

1. Brodie Brainwood (Toosharp Boxing, Husqvarna) 1:08:33.439
2. Tim Newman (Gas Gas) 1:28:56.362

EWD (Enduro Women’s Development)

Kuhnke had a great weekend here in Mendooran for EWD. With a total time of 2:00:24.460, she maintained the fastest time of her class, ahead of Jessica Mifsud. Mifsud finished today’s racing across the Ballards MXstore test with a total time of 2:32.07.128.

2023 AORC Round 2 EWD Top 2 Provisional Result:

1. Shaylynne Kuhnke 2:00:24.460
2. Jessica Mifsud 2:32.07.128

Pony Express

Groundhog Day played out for the Pony Express, with Team Kilvington taking home the gold. After six Sprints across the WR450F text, Team Kilvington finished with a total time of 1:03:23.234 and 1:03:30.155, respectively.

2023 AORC Round 2 Pony Express Top 2 Provisional Result:

1. Joshua Kilvington (Team Motomoorooka, HousePro Property Group) 1:03:23.234
2. Clay Kilvington (Team Motomoorooka, HousePro Property Group) 1:03:30.155

J4

Success was Gear’s to enjoy here in Mendooran. The Yamaha racer enjoyed another J4 class win, finishing six Sprints across the WR450F test with a total time of 58:50.102.

Behind Gear in second was once again, Oliver Paterno (Port Macquarie Motorcycles, DAS Suspensions). Paterno had it cut out for himself today, keeping Jackson Versteegen (Savage Motorcycles, Michelin) away from the silver. In the end, Paterno finished with a total time of 1:01:02.546, leaving Versteegen in third with a total time of 1:01:22.481.

2023 AORC Round 2 J4 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Davey Gear (Limestone Coast Motorcycles, Yamaha) 58:50.102
2. Oliver Paterno (Port Macquarie Motorcycles, DAS Suspensions) 1:01:02.546
3. Jackson Versteegen (Savage Motorcycles, Michelin) 1:01:22.481
4. Levi Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle) 1:01:51.002
5. Riley Crimmins 1:02:30.837

JG

McDonald just couldn’t be beat today in JG. Leaving her competition in the Mendooran dust by a near four minute lead, McDonald has undeniably started her 2023 season on the right foot.

Mia Tongue (Coastal KTM, Amsoil) moved up to second today, with a total time of 34:33.550. Yesterday’s second place holder, Madi Simpson (Honda Ride Red, Fly Racing) dropped to third, with a total time of 36:15.444.

2023 AORC Round 2 JG Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 30:56.609
2. Mia Tongue (Coastal KTM, Amsoil) 34:33.550
3. Madi Simpson (Honda Ride Red, Fly Racing) 36:15.444
4. Jade Chellas (KTM) 38:03.106
5. Audrey Moller (Alltac) 38:23.987

J3

Ollie Gear had a wonderful weekend in Mendooran, with the loamy, sandy conditions suiting his Yamaha well. After four Sprints across the Offroad Advantage test, Gear finished with a total time of 29:22.025.

Claiming the final two podium spots for Round 2 was Bradley Rayner (Gas Gas) and Dylan McDonald (McDonald Racing), with respective total times of 30:39.091 and 30:48.270.

2023 AORC Round 2 J3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Ollie Gear (Limestone Coast Newcastle, Yamaha) 29:22.025
2. Bradley Rayner (Gas Gas) 30:39.091
3. Dylan McDonald (McDonald Racing) 30:48.270
4. Drew Kremer (Gas Gas Newcastle) 31:03.741
5. Cooper Boyd (Port Macquarie Motorcycles) 31:10.632

J2

Gilbertson took home a consecutive J2 Round win here in Mendooran! With a total time of 32:30.551, Gilbertson had to fight off Mitch Ford (Thrila Furnikation Rynopower Rivalnink) all day. Ford conceded for second place with a total time of 33:00:517.

If the pressure Gilbertson felt was bad, the pressure Ford felt from Kai Austin (Gas Gas) was worse! Austin was breathing down Ford’s neck all day, finishing mere seconds behind for third place, with a total time of 33:06.657.

2023 AORC Round 2 J2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Harry Gilbertson (Brandt John Deere, Sears Electrical) 32:30.551
2. Mitch Ford (Thrila Furnikation Rynopower Rivalnink) 33:00:517
3. Kai Austin (Gas Gas) 33:06.657
4. Nate Munro 33:55.072
5. Harley Hutton (GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing) 34:20.891

J1

Today was not an easy day of racing, with the sun beating down on well churned ruts on the Offroad Advantage test. In J1, Huston protected his spot in the top step, with a total time of 28:03.121. Behind Huston by only a few seconds was Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus), with a total time of 28:15.462 after four Sprints.

Claiming the third and final podium spot was Levi Rossi (Paint Tech SA, Nicolai Farms), with a total time of 28:44.686

2023 AORC Round 2 J1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Darcy Huston (Citycoast Motorcycles, Holeshot graphics) 28:03.121
2. Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus) 28:15.462
3. Levi Rossi (Paint Tech SA, Nicolai Farms) 28:44.686
4. Cooper Clarke (Gas Gas) 30:24.468
5. Phoenix O’Brien (Inix Group, Montdami Bongiorno) 30:27.160

JJ

Over in JJ, Burchell remained class leader with another win. After four laps, Burchell finished with a total time of 34:31.837. The remaining podium spots were claimed by Ryder Lambing (GasMoto, Monza Imports) and Elijah Newton (BJ Engineering, Richies Fabrication), finishing four Sprints with respective total times of 35:19.316 and 35:40.863

2023 AORC Round 2 JJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Ryder Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) 34:31.837
2. Ryder Lambing (GasMoto, Monza Imports) 35:19.316
3. Elijah Newton (BJ Engineering, Richies Fabrication) 35:40.863
4. Sonny Lister (Husqvarna) 37:30.559
5. Caylan Young (KTM) 37:56.895

That’s a wrap here in Mendooran! Next, we head north to Queensland Moto Park for Rounds 3 and 4, featuring a full weekend of Enduro racing. To find out more, please visit our website.

Words by Caitlin Hynes. Images by Troy Pears.