Yamaha riders rounded out an impressive 2017 AORC campaign after the final two rounds of racing were held at Omeo, Victoria, on the weekend with the final tally being three class championships, three second places and two thirds across four championship classes.
As already released, Wil Ruprecht (Active8 Yamaha), Michael Driscoll and Jemma Wilson are national champions in the E1, EJ and Women's divisions respectively, but there was also plenty of podium action from other Yamaha supported riders in the final standings.
Riley Graham claimed second place in the E2 class on board his YZ450FX in a huge improvement for the South Australian rider over the previous season. Graham was a model of consistency throughout the year and continually found himself on the podium at most rounds in the E2 division as well as plenty of top five outright results.
He finished just ahead of Josh Green (Active8 Yamaha) who took third after a disappointing round 11 on the weekend that saw the talented New South Welshmen not score any points. He rebounded well for the final round on Sunday but the points loss saw him drop from second to third in the E2 points for the year.
It was a Yamaha 1-2 in the E1 class (250cc) with Wil Ruprecht leading home fellow Yamaha mounted Scott Keegan (Snap Fitness Yamaha). Keegan was in the championship chase until round nine when he had an issue and was unable to score any points but it was still a successful season for him and a good lead up to the A4DE in the coming months.
The girls also had a 1-2 finish with Jemma Wilson taking the class win ahead of Emelie Karlsson. Karlsson stormed home at the final two rounds taking a win and a second-place finish to snatch second in class, just one point ahead of the third placed rider, Sophie Coldicutt.
And it was a 1-3 finish for the young punks in the EJ (u19) division with Michael Driscoll taking the win and Nic Tomlinson in for third place. Tomlinson won the final round of the series in a good performance that will boost his confidence leading into the coming events.
"It has been another good year for Yamaha supported riders and teams," states motorsport manager, Ray Howard. "As a company, we are passionate about racing and enjoying seeing our riders and teams achieve success at the highest level, as they have done again this year.
"Congratulations to not only Wil, Michael and Jemma our class championships but also those on the podium as well as the riders who elected to ride a Yamaha in season 2017. Our 'bLU cRU' assist truck has proven to be a popular addition to the AORC and was well supported and appreciated by the riders.
"Thank you to all the clubs and volunteers who have played a part in running this years' championship and we hope that the riders all enjoyed the events that everyone worked so hard to put on," Howards ends.
For more information on the AORC, www.aorc.org.au and for a full list of results: https://speedhive.mylaps.com/Events/1437262
Championship Standings
E1
1st Wil Ruprecht – 232 (Yamaha)
2nd Scott Keegan – 198 (Yamaha)
3rd Jack Simpson – 178
E2
1st Daniel Milner – 250
2nd Riley Graham – 201 (Yamaha)
3rd Josh Green – 194 (Yamaha)
EJ
1st Michael Driscoll – 230 (Yamaha)
2nd Fraser Higlett – 227
3rd Nic Tomlinson – 201 (Yamaha)
Women's
1st Jemma Wilson – 234 (Yamaha)
2nd Emelie Karlsson – 209 (Yamaha)
3rd Sophie Coldicutt - 208
Credits: John Pearson
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