Rounds nine and ten of the Australian Off Road championship again proved a happy hunting ground for Yamaha supported riders, with many coming away with class victories and podiums in another successful weekend for the 'bLU cRU.'
With the Active8 Yamalube Yamaha team leading the way over the weekend, the supported riders also picked up their fair share of the spoils with seven class wins and a handful of podiums over the weekend.
Jemma Wilson and Kirk Hutton hit the top of the box in the Women's and Vets classes respectively. Wilson continues to led the way for the Women and has now won a staggering, all but one round of the series so far, and is in a dominate position with just two rounds remaining.
Former champ, now full time plumber – part timer rider, Kirk Hutton, dusted off the boots and hit the hills around the Kyogle venue. Hutton won both days and while not in contention for any series success, he still likes to keep his toes in the water when the AORC comes anywhere near his native Brisbane.
Michael Driscoll also had a successful weekend taking a second place and then backed that up with a win in the EJ (Under 19) division. Driscoll is locked into battle with Fraser Higlett for the EJ class championship and with just two rounds remaining, it will come down to the last man standing in a great battle between the future stars of Australian Off road.
Riley Graham is arguably the most improved off road racer in 2017 and is consistently a podium runner in the E2 class and a top five outright competitor. Graham nailed down a pair of third place results on the weekend and is sitting pretty in third place in the series standings, some 19 points ahead fellow Yamaha mounted Stefan Granquist.
Emilie Karlsson also made the podium in the Women's division, taking second on Sunday. She now currently holds third place in the championship but with just four points separating second and third positions, it's on for young and old at the final two rounds.
"Our Yamaha supported riders have done a great job this year in the AORC," states Yamaha Motorsport manager, Ray Howard. "Each rider has acquitted themselves well and we are now deep into the championship and most of them are fighting for championship podiums heading into the final rounds.
"Yamaha currently lead the E1 and Women's, run second in the E1, E2 and EJ and hold third in the E2, EJ and Women's so the efforts and dedication of these riders doesn't go unnoticed," Howard ends.
For a full list of results and more information: www.aorc.org.au
Round 9 Result Highlights
Vets – 1st Kirk Hutton
Women's- 1st Jemma Wilson
E1 – 1st Wil Ruprecht
Round 10 Result Highlights
Vets – 1st Kirk Hutton
Women's – 1st Jemma Wilson
E1- 1st Wil Ruprecht
EJ – 1st Michael Driscoll
AORC Class Results – After Round 10
E1
1st Wil Ruprecht – 189 (Yamaha)
2nd Scott Keegan – 156 (Yamaha)
3rd Brad Hardaker -135
E2
1st Daniel Milner-200
2nd Josh Green – 172 (Yamaha)
3rd Riley Graham – 159 (Yamaha)
EJ
1st Fraser Higlett – 185
2nd Michael Driscoll – 183 (Yamaha)
3rd Nic Tomlinson – 158 (Yamaha)
Women's
1st Jemma Wilson – 195 (Yamaha)
2nd Sophie Coldicutt – 166
3rd Emelie Karlsson – 162 (Yamaha)
For further information, please contact:
Scott Bishop
MX / SX Development Supervisor and Racing Communications
Ph: 0408 380 140
Email: scott.bishop@yamaha-motor.com.au