2024

Milner, McDonald and Yarnold double up

Queensland Moto Park (QMP) turned it on for round eight of the 2024 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC). The sky was blue, the sun was hot and, just like round seven, the tracks were dry, dusty and challenging.

Closing out the weekend with consecutive class wins were Daniel Milner (KTM Australia, DM31 Racing Team) in E2, Jett Yarnold (Yamaha Motor Australia, Yamalube) in EJ and Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) in EW. Climbing back up the ranks to clinch their first win of the weekend were Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Off Road Racing Team) in E1 and Billy Hargy (Simford Group Motorsport) in E3.

Fastest overall time was once again claimed by Milner, who clocked 42 minutes, 34.511 seconds (42:34.511).

To access provisional results for all classes, please click here.

It was a hard fought E1 win for Bacon, with mere seconds separating Bacon and Korey McMahon (GASGAS Australia, Motorex) in their quest for glory. Bacon though, managed to build up those valuable seconds to ensure his return to the top step.

“Round eight was quite difficult,” said Bacon.

“The tracks were gnarly, especially after yesterday it was pretty much one rut and plenty of bulldust.

“It’s been a close battle between me and Korey this weekend. It all came down to the final test which was awesome. It’s good to see us battling it out, especially as we’ve grown up together through the Junior ranks.”

McMahon was 26 seconds in arrears, while rounding out the podium once again was Tom Buxton (KTM Australia, DM31 Racing Team).

2024 AORC Round 8 E1 Top 3 Provisional Results:

Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Off Road Racing Team) 43:47.196
Korey McMahon (GASGAS Australia, Motorex) 44:13.554
Tom Buxton (KTM Australia, DM31 Racing Team) 45:37.376

There was a moment earlier in the day when Milner looked like he could be knocked off his perch by an emboldened Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco). As the day wore on, though, QMP’s tough tracks seemed to suit Milner more, earning him another top step finish.

Andy Wilksch (Beta Offroad Team) was third after a spirited battle with Will Dennett (Shop Yamaha Off Road Racing).

2024 AORC Round 8 E2 Top 3 Provisional Results:

Daniel Milner (KTM Australia, DM31 Racing Team) 42:34.511
Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco) 42:40.370
Andrew Wilksch (Beta Offroad Team) 43:51.489

After nine tests, Hargy claimed the win from Jye Dickson (Beta Racing Australia) and Riley McGillivray (KTM Australia, Shepparton Motorcycles).

“Round 8 was definitely one of the toughest days I’ve done on a motorbike in a long time, especially after doing six hours on the bike yesterday,” said Hargy.

“I’m pumped to come away with the win today, after coming just four seconds behind for Round 7. It feels good to be back on the top step.”

Dickson was nearly 15 seconds behind Hargy, with McGillivray close behind in third.

2024 AORC Round 8 E3 Top 3 Provisional Results:

Billy Hargy (Simford Group Motorsport) 45:11.124
Jye Dickson (Beta Racing Australia) 45:25.723
Riley McGillivray (KTM Australia, Shepparton Motorcycles) 45:29.585

It all came down to one of the final tests to decide whether McDonald or Jess Gardiner would claim the gold, and it was the former who again prevailed over the reigning champion.

Ebony Nielsen (Beta Off-Road Team) pushed past Emelie Karlsson (KTM) to claim the bronze.

2024 AORC Round 8 EW Top 3 Provisional Results:

Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 51:38.458
Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 52:08.138
Ebony Nielsen (Beta Off-Road Team) 53:08.780

Yarnold comfortably led the charge and claimed a consecutive class win, thanks to a total time of 45:50.158. The New South Welshman was very comfortable on the tricky QMP tracks as the same trifecta from round seven got the job done: Eli Tripcony (Motorex, Husqvarna) in second ahead of Jackson Versteegen (Peter Stevens, Fox).

2024 AORC Round 8 EJ Top 3 Provisional Results: