Inside Dirt - Issue 24

INTERVIEW WITH REIGNING CHAMP DEAN FERRIS pg. 44

THE ART OF VERSATILITY pg. 62

AORC ROUND 3 RACE RECAP pg. 76

2018 TEAM PROFILES pg. 94

MITCH EVANS MX1 DEBUT CAN THE ROOKIE MAKE A STATEMENT AT ROUND 3+4?

PAGE 32

CRAWFORD CLAIMS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD WITH PIRELLI MX2 WIN ROUND 2 RACE REPORT PAGE 26 ISSUE 24

14.05.2018

Photo: MXN Images

DEAN FERRIS CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team’s Dean Ferris navigating his way through the deep ruts of Appin, in true champion style.

FLIP YOUR PHONE HORIZONTAL TO VIEW THE FULL IMAGE

RILEY DUKES Young-gun Riley Dukes on board is Husqvarna machine making a statement in the MXD Class. Dukes will boast the red plate heading into the double header event at Wonthaggi for Round 3 & 4.

Photo: MXN Images

FLIP YOUR PHONE HORIZONTAL TO VIEW THE FULL IMAGE

IN THIS ISSUE MOTOCROSS 9

To Reflect & Remember

12

What’s Trending

18

It’s Moto Time

26

Round 2 - Race Report

32

Mitch Evans: MX1 Debut

44

Rider Interview: Dean Ferris

54

The Art of Versatility

62

Feature Classes

FEATURES 66

Product Spotlight: Yamaha Blue Card

OFF-ROAD 76

AORC - Round 3 Recap

84

Fast Thoughts - Lyndon Snodgrass

TEAMS 94

6

Team Profiles

32

ID ISSUE #24

WHAT’S TRENDING Check in with the latest news in both motocross and supercross Page 12

FEATURE CLASSES 2018 boasts a huge lineup of feature classes, check them out Page 62

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Yamaha Blue Card introductory offer.

Read more.

Page 66

44 7

AORC RD3 RECAP Check in with all the news from Round 3 of the AORC in Hedley.

PAGE 76

94 84

IT’S MOTO TIME We recap Rounds 1 & 2 of the already massive series of the MX Nationals.

Page 18

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AT T I M E S F O R

REMEMBERING & REFLECTING The sport of motocross introduces us to many people from many parts of the world, I have been fortunate over the years to travel to Europe, America and New Zealand to watch our best and the worlds best compete.

Along the way I have met many icons of the sport and some absolute legends along the way.

In 2000 I was fortunate enough to go to France with the Australian team of Chad Reed, Michael Byrne and Andrew McFarlane for the MX of Nation’s.

At the event I had the pleasure of meeting 5 time world champion (the Kid) Eric Geboers, he was a very friendly guy and truly passionate about Motocross.

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In 2001 I again was very fortunate to head to Belgium to the famous Namur Track for the 2001 MX of Nations, and again with the same Aussie team, again meeting many legends and chatting with many of the people I had met at the Broadford GPs, the sport is truly amazing and introduces us to people all around the world.

This week we got the news of Eric’s passing which came as quite a shock as accident tend to do, this week also marked 8 years since Andrew McFarlane passed away and June will mark 14 years since we lost Jono Porter.

All three of the people that we are reflecting on were great individuals who all were very passionate about motocross, whilst they are gone they will never be forgotten.

We will be keen to see who takes out The Andrew McFarlane MX1 Privateer of the year and The Jono Porter MX2 Privateer of the year , proudly supported by MX Store.

Many of us take life for granted, I ask you to take a moment and think of those we love and friends that have left us, take stock and take time to remember those passed and enjoy the time we have with our families and friends.

Life is short we all need to put our phones down and spend some quality time with those we care about.

Take care and enjoy your racing Story By: Kevin Williams

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what’s

TRENDING

INJURY RULES WATERS OUT OF MXGP RETURN AT KEGUMS Broken collarbone for Queenslander in first Team HRC appearance.

Source: motoonline.com.au

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ANDERSON CROWNED AS TOMAC WINS LAS VEGAS SUPERCROSS FINALS Osborne and Plessinger clinch 250SX titles in Showdown round.

Source: http://motoonline.com.au

SANDERS AND MILNER SPLIT OUTRIGHT VICTORIES AT HEDLEY AORC Styke sweeps E1 category as Sanders and Milner top E2 and E3 classes.

Source: motoonline.com JUSTIN BARCIA IS BACK AND READY TO WIN A broken hand sidelined Justin Barcia in the middle of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship for several rounds, Source: motocross.transworld.net 13

MONSTER ENERGY AUS-X OPEN SET FOR 2018 Arguably the best race on the Australian motocross and supercross calendar, the Monster Energy Aus-X Open is back in 2018.

Source: dirtaction.com.au

ARENACROSS IS DONE; WELCOME TO SUPERCROSS FUTURES AMATEUR EVENTS All season long, we’ve heard rumors that Amsoil Arenacross was not long for this world and that the 2018 season may be its last.

Source: racerxonline.com.au

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I N S I D E

MOTOCROSS

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IT’S MOTO TIME 2 0 18 P I R E L L I M X N AT I O N A L S What a start to the 2018 Pirelli Mx Nationals it has been so far. Before we head off to the all too scary double header coming up in Wonthaggi, we have to take a look back to the first couple of rounds and more importantly some of real stand out performances as the championship is already shaping up to be one of the greats.

The first man and how could it not be has to be the surging performances behind the number 18 machine of Aaron Tanti, allot of talk has been thrown down that he got lucky but lets be honest for a second, Maffra was one of the gnarliest, brutal tracks any of us have ever seen and Tanti made it his own. Two hole shots and to go on for 50 minutes of racing under all sorts of conditions has shown he is a real threat in all forms of the Pirelli MX2 field, unfortunately a late mistake at Appin saw him give up a whole lot of points at allowing for the classic naysayer to call told you so but make no mistake Aaron Tanti is a big title threat.

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FERRIS HAS HAD BLISTERING PACE THAT WILL PROVE HARD TO MATCH The man however on the charge at the moment with all the form in the Pirelli MX2 has to be Nathan Crawford, we all knew he would be a big threat but three moto wins in 4 races has the likes of Todd, Harwood, and reigning champion Egan Mastin scratching there heads as he has already amounted a 23 point championship lead. Though it looks comfortable for Crawford at the top of the points table the man keeping him honest throughout the second round was Jay Wilson.

Back on charging form Wilson was a rocket out of the gates and showed both the pace and poise we know the ex champion to be capable of. Not so long ago under a very similar team outfit Wilson was crowned champion of the MX2 class and come Coolum I think its very likely he may find himself battling for yet another MX2 crown.

Now how about what I think to be the most the exciting class of all the Motul 20

MXD, the development class of the nationals the MXD boys are known for a few things, the points will always be close, its anybody’s race but mostly the young fellas are always out there to do battle. The first two rounds have not disappointed, up there with the best starts to any year with a crazy three riders all locked on points after just one round.I personally cant ever remember that happening making it hard to pick just a couple of stand outs, more a group of riders who have come into this championship swinging. To start with the debutant fresh out of juniors into the nationals how could we not talk about Bailey Malkiewicz currently 5th but only 12 points back this kids got pace.

Taking a moto win in his first MXD event Bailey has shown the ability to both battle in the pack or lead from the front, no easy feat as a debutant as he laid down some blistering laps in the process, both fitness and speed don’t seem to be a problem for this 16 year

old as I am sure Malkiewicz will continue to impress in his first year transitioning into the mx nationals. The man leading the way after round two is none other the Riley Dukes, a couple of years in and Dukes has found his feet, on top of allot of peoples favourites list for this year he has without doubt been the most consistent man in the field but with the likes of Hugh McKay, Morgan Fogarty and Callum Norton nipping at his heels all chasing there own first title anything is possible.

The Thor MX1 reads a little like years gone past as its been a perfect four from four for the two time reigning champ Dean Ferris, starting off this season the same way he finished the last, Ferris has had blistering pace that will prove hard to match, second reads rather similar as well with Kirk Gibbs coming off a strong New Zealand championship secure in the number two spot.

He has shown pace to match Ferris at the front just un able to put all the pieces together for the win, don’t get me wrong though Gibbs has kept the number One man honest at every post. From there and what a different title we have, three of the younger generation find themselves in the battle for third with Luke Clout holding the Three plate with Dylan Long and Mitchell Evans in his rookie season nipping at his heels. It seems 21

the changing of the guard is coming along and these three are proving to be leading it up, Mitchell Evans in his first year has found the raw speed to make it in both superpoles and winning one by over two seconds, he is a raw natural talent that we have been waiting to see on a 450 and one cannot but be impressed. How about Luke clout though leading more then half the second moto at Appin Clout was outa there, after a staggered restart he motored away from the field including Ferris amounting a nice lead until succumbing to pressure in the late stages, Clout seems to have

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found his knew home at KTM I cant wait to see what both he and Long can do in 2018.

With all three classes stacked with notable talent and so many shining moments after only two rounds how can you not be excited as in a couple of weeks the MX Nationals will have two complete rounds in only two days. Never before have so many points been up for grabs in a weekend and with that bring on Wonni.

Story By: Aiden Williams

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2018 MX NATIONALS

RD2 APPIN RACE REPORT

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MX1 FERRIS CONTINUES FLAWLESS MX NATIONALS STREAK IN THOR MX1 CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team’s two-time defending Thor MX1 champion, Dean Ferris has continued to stamp his dominance on the premier class with a convincing display in both races around the Appin, NSW, hillside in the Pirelli MX Nationals, presented by Yamaha at round two.

Ferris took control of both motos to claim the round win for the day ahead of KTM Motocross Racing Team teammates Kirk Gibbs and Luke Clout, with the latter maximising his home ground advantage to feature on the podium overall.

After uncharacteristically missing out on Super Pole in qualifying, Ferris quickly made amends by jumping to the front of the opening race and remained there, despite the best efforts of top qualifier Brett Metcalfe (Penrite Honda Racing) early on.

Gibbs finished the race in runner-up after a last-gasp pass on Metcalfe on the final turn. CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team’s Dylan Long finished a comfortable fourth ahead of fellow Victorian Kade Mosig (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna).

The second Thor MX1 race was halted after 10 minutes of racing when Lachlan Davis (Honda) went down, resulting in a staggered restart.

Clout led with Ferris hot on his heels, with the defending champ snatching the lead as time ticked down. Ferris then tore out to a 10-second lead, with Clout second and Long third. Gibbs claimed fourth position with another narrow lead over Metcalfe.

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ROUND 2 RESULTS: 1. Dean Ferris (Yamaha) - 70 pts 2. Kirk Gibbs (KTM) - 60 pts 3. Luke Clout (KTM) - 58 pts 4. Dylan Long (Yamaha) - 58 pts 5. Brett Metcalfe (Honda) - 56 pts

6. Caleb Ward (Husqvarna) - 48 pts 7. Rhys Carter (Kawasaki) - 48 pts 8. Kade Mosig (Husqvarna) - 48 pts 9. Connor Tierney (Yamaha) - 43 pts 10. Mitch Evans (KTM) - 43 pts

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MX2 CRAWFORD CLAIMS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD WITH PIRELLI MX2 WIN Serco Yamaha’s new recruit Nathan Crawford has stormed to the top of the Pirelli MX2 championship standings with an impressive double-moto victory around the hard-packed Appin circuit.

Crawford claimed both moto wins by more than eight seconds to stand atop the podium, flanked by Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) and Serco Yamaha teammate Wilson Todd. Former red-plate holder Aaron Tanti (Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing) finished the day in eighth overall.

In the opening Pirelli MX2 race Crawford was in blistering form as he worked his way through the field to pass long-time race leader Wilson for the victory. Local racer Dylan Wills (DPH Motorsports Husqvarna) finished the moto in third, with Tanti fourth, narrowly ahead of CRF Penrite Honda Racing’s Jackson Richardson.

When the gates dropped on the second race of the day, Wilson again leapt to the front of the pack, but was soon dispatched of by Crawford.

Crawford wasn’t headed for the rest of the moto, with teammate Todd second and Wilson third. Honda pairing Jackson Richardson and Kyle Webster finished fourth and fifth respectively.

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ROUND 2 RESULTS: 1. Nathan Crawford (Yamaha) - 70 pts 2. Jay Wilson (Yamaha) - 62 pts 3. Wilson Todd (Yamaha) - 57 pts 4. Jackson Richardson (Honda) - 54 pts 5. Dylan Wills (Husqvarna) - 53 pts

6. Egan Mastin (KTM) - 49 pts 7. Kyle Webster (Honda) - 48 pts 8. Aaron Tanti (Kawasaki) - 45 pts 9. Kale Makeham (Yamaha) - 42 pts 10. Hamish Harwood (KTM) - 42 pts

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Mitch Evans MX1 DEBUT

There’s no doubt about it, Mitch Evans has had an eventful few years on the race track.

He’s collected multiple podiums, represented Australia, been involved in one of the biggest crashes we have seen in recent years at the AUS-X Open, but scratch the surface a little, and there’s a lot more to Evans than just the racer we see on the weekend.

Not only is Evans intelligent with multiple University offers, he’s driven, determined, and somewhat still ‘a baby’ at only 19 years of age. Fresh off collecting his first ever podium in the MX1 category, we sat down with the 450 rookie to pick his brain on a range of topics.

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M E 4 3 It’s your first year in the MX1 class here go and ride. I just wasn’t enjoying what in Australia, what was the main reason I was doing so I wasn’t motivated to do you stepped up to the 450 class this anything. season?

So the 450 is a much better fit for you The main reason was just because of my then? weight and size. Last year I battled trying to keep my weight down and I would Yeah it is. I’m just struggling to build get really sick. I was pretty much always enough strength to hold on to the big out of energy. Last year I was 80kgs and girl (laughs). There’s always going to be a starving myself and I was still getting bad challenge and I knew stepping up to the starts because of my weight, now this year 450 class wasn’t going to be easy but it’s I can not worry about my weight as much. what I wanted to do and what I needed I’m 86kgs at the moment and I’m just a lot to do. happier in general. I’m able to not stress that if I eat something bad that it’s going Where are you based this year? And to majorly effect me on the weekend. what was the reason for the move?

For you how hard was it to stay under This year I’m based a bit all over the place weight so you could ride the 250? but at the moment I’m at Loch in Victoria.

There’s a lot less travel to the races and At the start it wasn’t too difficult but after different tracks too. It’s also helped me to a while my body became so depleted get used to the cold too – Normally that of a lot of things and by mid-season last has been something I struggle with being year my body was pretty worn out and from Cairns. Also I just felt it was time to it became really tough. Not even just change up the program a little bit. I love physically but mentally. I was just really Cairns and we have awesome tracks up unhappy because I was just hungry all the there but the travel does get a bit tiring. time – it wasn’t much fun that’s for sure.

The shortest flight to a race is two hours and then you’ve still got to sit in the car and Did you feel like the mental side of drive and what knot, so it’s not much fun the weight was holding you up on the after a while. When you finish a race and weekend too? you fly home Sunday night you wouldn’t get home until after 1am so it’s nice to be Yeah 100%. Because I was just so unhappy able to get home a bit earlier now.

I didn’t want to go racing, I didn’t want to 34

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What did that first MX1 podium at round one feel like for you and the team?

For me, I was just stoked. My goal was to get a top five that weekend so to land on the podium it was pretty special. Especially having my mum, dad, brother and trainer there. We had to put in a lot of work after my injury at AUS-X Open but it was just very rewarding to see it finally pay off.

You represented Australia in 2016 at the MX of Nations when Jed Beaton was injured, what was that experience like?

It was a massive eye opener. At the time I was still going to school so I couldn’t even train full time. It was obviously very last minute but it’s probably what has sort of turned my whole career around. It opened my eyes to just how fast they are over there and how much work you really need to put in. When I came home I started knuckling down, I did a lot of research on nutrition and training and I spoke to a lot of people. I’m very grateful to have had that opportunity because I know a lot more now than I ever would have known before.

Is racing the world championship something that is on your agenda for the future?

Yeah definitely. I want to be overseas in the next couple of years, that’s the plan. But I need to focus on the championships in Australia first and being competitive here week in, week out before we go worrying about getting overseas.

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If an opportunity came up to race a 250 internationally would you consider it?

I think if it was the right team and the right bike that I would go back to a 250. Their bikes, especially with my weight could be different. That’s not to say that engine builders in Australia aren’t any good it’s just that in Europe and America they have access to parts and things that we can’t get.

What are your racing goals for the next few years?

I want to be within the top five of the championship for this year, and on the podium next year, if not champion, that’s the main goal. I also really want to improve my Supercross skills here on a 450.

I knew stepping up to the 450 class wasn’t going to be easy but it’s what I wanted to do and what I needed to do...

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Other than eating whatever you want, What do you do when you’re not in what’s your favourite thing about racing season? the 450?

Nearly all last off-season I was injured so Probably racing smarter guys, and I couldn’t really do a whole lot but I’ve tougher guys. Even in the first two rounds bought jetskis so I love going out to the it’s already made me a better rider. These reef. Up in Cairns our back yard is basically boys don’t back off at all throughout the the Great Barrier Reef, so I go and spend race and it’s a lot tougher the class. You a day out there or go water skiing on the have to be a lot more switched on and dam. I also like training so I go to the gym I like that. I love a good challenge and and hang out with mates too. that’s exactly what this is.

Do you think you can finish on the podium What would you be doing if you weren’t in the overall MX1 championship this racing? year?

I’d probably be at Uni. Last year I had a Uni offer for Aviation and I deferred that. Then I changed my preferences at the end of last year and got accepted into Business for this year and I deferred that again so if I wasn’t racing I’d be there doing one of those.

I believe if I can get my starts sorted and I’m a lot smarter about how I go about the races then I think I have a shot at the overall podium.

Good luck for the season Mitch and thanks for the chat No problems, thank you.

MW

xx

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DEAN FERRIS #1

2X Reigning champion

CATCH THE ACTION FROM ALL 10 ROUNDS LIVE OR ON DEMAND MXNATIONALS.COM.AU OR NRGTV.COM.au for more info

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ROUND 3+4 - WONTHAGGI

ROUND 5 - MURRAY BRIDGE

With wind turbines and golden beaches as the backdrop, the Wonthaggi track is one of the rider’s preferred events on the calendar.

Murray Bridge has been on the MX Nationals Calendar for many years now and for good reason – It’s highly regarded as being one of the best circuits in Australia.

VIEW MORE >>

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ROUND 6 - CONONDALE

ROUND 7+8 - RANCH MX

Round 6 we head north to the the natural beauty that is Green Park Conondale on the Sunshine Coast.

Spectators and racers alike will be faced with an exciting new layout that improves on the world class venue, Raymond Terrace.

CLICK TO VIEW MORE

Photo: MXN Images

KIRK GIBBS KTM Factory Racing Team rider Kirk Gibbs charging at Round 2 of the MX Nationals at Appin.

FLIP YOUR PHONE HORIZONTAL TO VIEW THE FULL IMAGE

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MX1 REIGNING CHAMPION

DEAN FERRIS AFTER A FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE IN THE FIRST TWO ROUNDS OF THE PIRELLI MX NATIONALS WE CAUGHT UP WITH TWO-TIME AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION DEAN FERRIS TO FIND OUT HIS RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

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Dean last year you won a total of 17 races and this year in the MX Nationals series you have won 4 from 4, tell us what is your recipe for success?

I truly believe it’s about ticking all the boxes, everything in my life flows, From my personal life, relationships and family to my fitness and the team behind me, with every part of my life contributing to my success on race day I’m blessed to have a happy balance.

With all your success in your career so far what has been your most memorable moment?

Both championships are equally remarkable as each other; the first championship I won in 2016 was really special, as it made me feel like a lot of pressure was lifted off me once I had won the first one I no longer had the weight of the world on my shoulders.

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What would your advice be to all young What are your plans in the future? Do riders who inspire to be champions like you have plans to travel over seas? you?

Yes, I do have aspirations to race in My advice would be to dream big and America I want to be on the ‘big scene’ work hard, nothing in this sport is for free. again I want to make a name for myself If you put in the time and dedication it will over seas and I believe my aspirations show, keep it fun and never forget why to be successful over there keep me you started. focused and determined at home.

What element does it add having a team Thanks heaps for your time today, is manger ‘Craig Dack’ who is a multi-time there anyone you would like to throw a champion in your corner? shout out too?

I believe Craig is a huge asset to have in my corner, he is able to connect with the riders on a personal level, he is able to respond immediately because he has been in the situation and speaks from experience having been there and done it.

I’d just like to thank my team and all the people who make it possible to go racing as well as my family and friends, I have an amazing network of support behind me and it all plays apart in my success.

Thanks for the chat Brodie.

Story By: Brodie Williams

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THE ART OF VERSATILITY DIFFERENT TRACKS, CALL FOR DIFFERENT CONDITIONS. WHICH RIDER IS ABLE TO CONQUER THEM ALL?

Hi everyone, Now the dust has settled from the opening few rounds of the 2018 MX Nationals series we are heading away from the hard pack of round 1 at Maffra and the clay based ruts of Appin at round 2 and heading to some of the favoured rider venues on the circuit. The next three rounds of the series will be at Wonthaggi and Murray Bridge, both venues renowned for their loamy and sandy surface, fast layouts, big breaking bumps and acceleration holes.

Story By: Joe Stevens

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For this article of Inside Dirt I want to discuss the difference in how riders approach the hard packed or clay based tracks compared to the sandy loamy circuits and why the rides often look forward to getting into the loose stuff for these upcoming rounds.

If we take a look at Maffra and even Appin, it’s clear to see that many riders were not finding their flow and gelling with the tracks. This can be attributed to it being the first few rounds of the season, riders have not yet found their race day routine 100% or their preferred suspension and chassis settings.

However the surfaces of both venues also throw their own challenges at the riders.

The bumps are hard and sharp, slick clay meets deep and hooked ruts all of which provide harsh transitions between turns and acceleration points and also very unsettling kicks when braking. The square edges of Maffra and the long deep ruts of Appin also make it difficult for riders to find new lines and get creative, because they are often funnelled back into the same

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lines as the riders in front of them at key points on the track where making passes would be an option. To summarise the track tends to dictate to the riders where they are able to occupy track space, as opposed to the riders being able to cut wherever they want on the track at any time.

This is where the riders get excited to be heading into the soft stuff. The sand by nature is soft and deep. It drains the power out of a rider’s machine and forces him to carry more overall speed to stay on top of the surface and bumps. As the sand chops out, the bumps are constantly changing and rarely become hard based or formed for the entire day (a few square edge acceleration holes aside at Wonthaggi) the bumps, berms, ruts and jump faces are constantly changing in the sand.

This constantly changing surface and soft dirt leads the riders to be creative, cut and turn with their rear wheels and move off of the rider’s line in front of them to be able to make passes.

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{

THIS CONSTANTLY CHANGING SURFACE AND SOFT DIRT LEADS THE RIDERS TO BE CREATIVE...

}

Often leading to very exciting racing and close battles, especially at Murray Bridge where we often see battles for the podium go all the way to the chequered flag!

Very few riders on the tour will struggle to find a flow at Wonnthaggi and Murray Bridge in qualifying, you will see everyone pushing the envelope right away to find those valuable few tenths of a second to secure a better qualifying time and gate pick. When then track surface provides comfort and a nice feel for the riders that they can attack the track right away and be loose on the bike, keeping the front light and turning with the rear wheel, that’s a good sign for the racing action to come!

So let’s see who brings their A game in the sand and loam to the next few rounds, who’s your money on?

Thank for reading everyone, don’t forget to catch all the action live on NRGTV.com.au and say hello if you see me at the track.

Thanks for reading everyone and see you at the races.

Story by: Joe Stevens

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E K I B L A I C I F F O THE

S L A N O I T A N X M WASH OF THE

R A C E L I N E . C O M . A U 61

FEATURE CLASSES This year the MX Nationals will again have a range of feature classes splashed through out the series, this years classes will be the Yamaha 125cc Gold Cup, The Yamaha Rising Star rookies, and junior 125cc the Yamaha Amateur Cup. The 125cc Gold Cup carries a level of depth and diversity that is not seen in other classes, often showcasing the return of past championship riders, such as Cameron Taylor, Jades Oates, Cody Mackie and many more.

Last year we had the oldest competitor in this class 57 year old Steve Sweeny who started riding in 1977, to be eligible to compete in this class you simply must race on a 125cc and hold a current seniors competitor license.

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The Yamaha Amateur Cup is a class that I personally love to watch there is always loads of action and bar banging moments, to be eligible for this class you can not have finished in the top 5 in a national championship class in the past two years, this rule allows riders who have hung up there boots for quite sometime the opportunity to get back out there and battle on the world class prepared tracks once again and for some local talents to have a bit of fun.

We of course love to have the young guns, 250cc Yamaha Rising Star Rookies and Junior 125cc, these classes bring forward the future talents of our sport, it gives them an opportunity to not only race on the national circuit but allows the riders to showcase their talent to manufactures who will hopefully one day select them as their team riders.

The feature classes will be at the following events.

Round 1 Newry 15th April - Yamaha 125cc Gold Cup Round 2 Appin 29th April - Yamaha Rising Star Rookies Round 3 & 4 Wonthaggi 19th - 20th May - Junior 125cc Round 5 Murray Bridge 27th May - Yamaha Rising Star Rookies Round 6 Conondale 1st July - Yamaha Amateur Cup Round 7 & 8 Ranch MX 14th - 15th July - Yamaha 125cc Gold Cup Round 9 Gladstone 5th August - Junior 125cc Round 10 Coolum 11th - 12th August - Yamaha Rising Star Rookies, Yamaha Amateur Cup, Yamaha 125cc Gold Cup

Brought to you by: Brodie Williams

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JAY WILSON Jay Wilson on-board the Yamalube Yamaha YZ250F keeping his championship hunt alive with a convincing 2nd overall at Round 2 in Appin, NSW.

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I N S I D E

OFF-ROADS

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SANDERS, MILNER, STYKE AND DRISCOLL REIGN SUPREME AT HEDLEY SUPERSPRINT A tough 16km Supersprint faced the riders at Round 3 of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) and didn’t Daniel Sanders love the tough and dry conditions.

Sanders was the fastest rider on the track on his way to clinching the E2 class win. Daniel Milner continues to make the jump to E3 with ease, taking the win, whilst Luke Styke continues to impress in his first enduro season picking up the E1 win. Reigning EJ Champion Michael Driscoll was back to his best and rightfully claimed the EJ honours.

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E3 Hedley produced rough and tough racing for our competitors and the ever-smooth Milner even found the conditions hard, but he showed his class to pull together and take the win. Milner put his KTM down on a few occasions throughout the three sprints, managing to compose himself and finish three minutes and thirty seconds clear of Lachlan Stanford.

Stanford was a clear second on the day and was consistently behind Milner, but the Husqvarna rider just couldn’t reel him in. Andrew Wilksch finished the day with an impressive third Supersprint that saw him jump onto the podium, finishing with a time of 1:02:44.464.

Milner was happy to get the win but knows he has lots of improvement in him before tomorrow racing, “Today was a big struggle for me, I made a lot of mistakes and that cost me a lot of time throughout the day and in the end, cost me catching chucky. I spent too much time making stupid mistakes but its one of those days that you put behind you and try to focus on the positives and look forward to tomorrow,� said Milner.

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E2 Sanders was a man on a mission today at Hedley, getting off to the dream start and gapping the field in the first Supersprint by nine seconds despite a fall. Sanders continued to push and ride on the edge, it did result in a few get offs but the Husqvarna rider still managed to claim class honours. Lyndon Snodgrass battled hard on his KTM in the tough and dry conditions to finish in second and put the troubles he had at the A4DE behind him. Mr Consistent Josh Green once again put his Active8 Yamalube Yamaha on the podium, bouncing back from a big fall in the first Supersprint finish just 11 seconds behind Snodgrass.

Sanders enjoyed one of the tougher days of racing, “It was a tough day at the office that’s for sure, its great to get the class win again and be the fastest man on the track by just 0.3 seconds.

It’s a great venue here at Hedley and I enjoyed the Supersprint as we got 19 minutes of full race intensity and its great getting more time on the bike,” finished Sanders.

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E1

EJ

It looks like we can stop calling Luke Styke a motocross convert, he is well and truly an enduro rider now after claiming his third round win in a row at Hedley. Styke started a bit slower than he would of liked with a few crashes in the first sprint, but he got better as the day went on and finished the Supersprints with a time of 1:01:06.410.

Not far behind Styke was Fraser Higlett who is finding some serious form on his Husqvarna, despite a few falls he finished 50 seconds off Styke’s pace.

Our 2016 E1 winner here at Hedley Jack Simpson rounded out the podium to continue his good form here. Simpson pushed his KTM to a time of 1:02:15.011 to finish just 15 seconds off Higlett.

JIt was business as usual for the defending EJ Champion Michael Driscoll as he put his Yamaha on the top step for the third time in as many rounds this season. Driscoll stepped back into the EJ class after an impressive performance at the A4DE in the E1 class and announced himself again as the man to beat.

Mason Semmens bought with him all his motocross skills and finished the day in an impressive second place aboard his KTM. Joshua Brierley continues to impress aboard his Husqvarna machine, landing it on the podium and showing he enjoyed the tough conditions here at Hedley.

Driscoll is happy to be back at the top of the EJ class, “Yeah it was great to get another win in the class, the track was brutal with the soft sand dry conditions which made riding difficult for us all, I started the day well and just kept consistent and got the class win so now we look forward to tomorrow,” Said Driscoll.

Story By: Cohen McElroy - MA

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2018 AORC RESULTS AORC E3 Round 3 Provisional Results 1. Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) - 58:11.881 2. Lachlan Stanford (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) - 1:01:49.704 3. Andrew Wilksch (Motul Pirelli Sherco Team) - 1:02:44.464 4. Tom Mason - 1:03:00.168 5. Broc Grabham - 1:03:29.015

AORC E2 Round 3 Provisional Results 1. Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) - 58:11.503 2. Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) - 1:00:20.824 3. Joshua Green (Active8 Yamalube Yamaha) - 1:00:31.800 4. Stefan Granquist - 1:03:05.244 5. Riley Graham - 1:04:04.819

AORC E1 Round 3 Provisional Results 1. Luke Styke (Active8 Yamalube Yamaha) - 1:01:06.410 2. Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) - 1:02:01.391 3. Jack Simpson - 1:02:15.011 4. Nicolas Tomlinson - 1:02:53.265 5. Tomas Ravenhorst - 1:03:12.118

AORC EJ Round 3 Provisional Results 1. Michael Driscoll (bLu cRu Yamaha Racing) - 1:02:04.435 2. Mason Semmens - 1:02:59.241 3. Joshua Brierley - 1:04:44.581 4. Mitchell Brierley - 1:06:00.915 5. Corey Hammond - 1:06:07.508

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FA S T T H O U G H T S

LYNDON SNODGRASS Undertaking his second season with the KTM Enduro Racing Team, Lyndon Snodgrass has cemented himself as one of the elite off-road racers in the country. Transitioning to the E2 category in 2018 aboard the KTM 450 EXC-F, Snodgrass currently sits third in the E2 division of the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) after lodging a pair of third and second place finishes at the opening four rounds of the series.

In this latest Fast Thoughts interview, we hit the Victorian with a host of quick questions on varying topics.

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Q

The current state of the Australian off-road and enduro scene…

I would say the enduro scene with the Australian Off-Road Championship is pretty strong at the moment. I think the round we had on the weekend had record entries, so that’s pretty cool to see so many people interested in offroad. There are a few motocross guys coming across too, so it’s good to have so much interest in it at the moment, that’s for sure.

Q

Riding for the KTM Enduro Racing Team for the second year running…

I’m really happy to be part of the KTM Enduro Racing Team. We have such a real fun and friendly environment and we all work hard. On race day we all hold our places and it’s just a real good environment.

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Q

The prospect of racing the 2018 International Six Day Enduro…

I’m really excited to hopefully be going over and racing it. I did it last year in France and it was an awesome event – I’d love to do it again.

Q

Riding the KTM 450 EXC-F this season…

It’s definitely an awesome bike. Dan Milner had a lot of success on it last year and to get on it now with him stepping up, I can see why he was liking it so much. It’s just smooth and easy to ride, it makes the going a bit easier and KTM has built a really good bike.

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Q

Bringing Daniel Sanders’ dominant E2 run to an end…

I’ll keep working towards doing that at the some point – I’d love to get on the top step of the class. He’s been riding well, but it’s a long year and anything can happen, so we’ll keep working towards it.

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Stay up to date with all the happenings of the 2018 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship by visiting motoonline.com.au or by following the AORC on Twitter and Facebook as well as @aorc on Instagram Story By: Jeremy Hammer MotoOnline.com.au

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CDR YAMAHA MONSTER ENERGY TEAM #1 - Dean Ferris #7 - Dylan Long

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YAMALUBE YAMAHA RACING #6 - Jay Wilson #86 - Richie Evans

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PENRITE CRF HONDA RACING #57 - Jackson Richardson #96 - Kyle Webster

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COMPLETE PARTS KAWASAKI RACING #6 - Rhys Carter #18 - Aaron Tanti

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KTM RACING TEAM #1 - Egan Mastin #4 - Luke Clout #5 - Kirk Gibbs

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RACELINE KTM #3 - Jayden Rykers #43 - Mitch Evans

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DPH MOTORSPORT HUSQVARNA #3 - Kade Mosig #5 - Dylan Wills

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KSF ECSTAR SUZUKI RACING #J05 - Jesse Madden #149 - Isaac Ferguson

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SB MOTORSPORTS #10 - Josh Brewster #94 - Kayne Lamont

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