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04
2022

Wilksch Leaves The Competition In The Mackay Dust

By Motorcycling Australia 0

Round 3 of the 2022 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC) raised the bar higher [if that was even possible] than the action from Rounds 1 & 2. Our world-class competitors screamed across highly technical test tracks here in Mackay, Queensland, for Sprints.
 
The field set a cracking pace immediately from test 1, with surprises throughout the day as each test called for more and more speed, which caused tighter and tighter competition. After seven back-to-back Sprint tests for our Seniors, and 11 rounds of one test for our Juniors, the top speed demons for Round 3 was Andrew Wilksch (Simford Racing, Husqvarna).

E1
Even with a target on his back after Rounds 1 & 2 in Cherrabah, Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) seemed totally unfazed as he pushed his Yamaha YZ to the limit in E1. Coming out on top with a total time of 1:49:05.461, Bacon has maintained top dog position in his class.

Taking second today was fellow Yamaha teammate Blake Hollis, with a total time of 1:52:29.974. Over seven laps across the Offroad Advantage and WR450F tracks, Hollis’ times continued to improve as he fought to secure his spot on the podium.

Rounding out E1’s Round 3 podium was Jeremy Carpentier (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team), who finished today with a total time of 1:52:43.999. Carpentier seemed to be breathing down Hollis’ neck over the course of the day but had to concede for bronze after seven laps.  

Reflecting on his success today, Bacon explained that “I had a really good day today. Tracks were pretty technical which was good. It got a bit fast and sketchy out there, but I kept consistent and came away with a win!

“Tomorrow I need to keep consistent and stay on the bike. If the conditions are the same as today, I just want to stay clean and have fun!”

2022 AORC Round 3 E1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 1:49:05.461
  2. Blake Hollis (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 1:52:29.974
  3. Jeremy Carpentier (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 1:52:43.999
  4. Cooper Sheidow (Kessner Motorcycles, KTM Australia) 1:53:17.562
  5. Korey McMahon (GasGas Australia, Suttos Powersports) 1:53:20.461

E2
This year is shaping up to be really positive for Joshua Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team), who has taken out his third consecutive class win for the 2022 season! Aboard his Yamaha WRF, Green continued slicing valuable seconds off his test times, even with the classic Queensland humidity and a lofty near two-hour stint across the two test tracks. Green claimed first place in E2 with a total time of 1:49:05.256.

The final two podium positions were hard fought and won by Husqvarna’s Todd Waters, and Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team’s Michael Driscoll. Each finished today’s Sprints with respective times of 1:51:29.060 and 1:52:12.574. Beta’s Fraser Higlett was just behind with a total time of 1:53:48.587.

“My day was really good. It was a survival day because the tracks were tough, with a really good combination of everything on the tests, from high speeds to tight technical spots,” confirmed Green.

“Tomorrow, I’m planning to keep rolling and come away with another class win.”

2022 AORC Round 3 E2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Joshua Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 1:49:05.256
  2. Todd Waters (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team) 1:51:29.060
  3. Michael Driscoll (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 1:52:12.574
  4. Fraser Higlett (Beta) 1:53:48.587
  5. Caleb Ward (Portas Bikes and Power) 1:55:12.948

E3
Round 3 was well and truly Wilksch’s day! This absolute demon tore up Mackay, smoking the competition in both his class and the overall field, by nearly one minute. Wilksch finished Round 3 with a total time of 1:48:12.207. Even with some challenges through the day, including bike issues and some bingles, Wilksch seemed totally at home and unfazed.

E3’s podium was completed today by KTM’s Stefan Granquist in second with a total time of 1:52:03.699, and third place won by Sherco’s Jonte Reynders, with a total time of 1:52:32.763.

The man of the hour, Wilksch gushed that “Today was a really exciting day! I put myself in the lead early on and I just tried to keep it upright for the rest of the day.”

“It was a good, challenging day of racing and I learnt a lot. The conditions played into my hand with the big 501.”

2022 AORC Round 3 E3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Andrew Wilksch (Simford Racing, Husqvarna) 1:48:12.207
  2. Stefan Granquist (KTM Offroad Racing Team) 1:52:03.699
  3. Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco Team) 1:52:32.763
  4. Ashley Norman 1:56:36.241
  5. Thomas McCormackv (MXstore, Ballards) 1:56:56.493

EJ
There was big upset in EJ today with current class leader, Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team) dropping down to fifth place for Round 3. Suffering a wrist injury, the Husqvarna boarded gun had a tough day out in the sugar canes, with consistent times that just couldn’t compete with the Round 3 victor, Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM).

McGillivray took out a hard-fought win today with a total time of 1:56:39.308, after seven gruelling laps on the bike. Behind him in second and third place was Kobi Wolff and William Dennett (Yamaha Australia), who clocked in a total time of 1:57:38.312 and 1:58:30.927 respectively.

“Today wasn’t too bad at all. I slowly found my flow and we brought it home,” explained McGillivray.

“The competition was pretty strong. Kobi was right up there with me, so I had to work hard to keep the lead. The class is pretty heated this year, which makes for a lot of good racing.”

2022 AORC Round 3 EJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) 1:56:39.308
  2. Kobi Wolff 1:57:38.312
  3. William Dennett (Yamaha Australia) 1:58:30.927
  4. Campbell Hall (Halls Transport Repairs) 1:58:59.623
  5. Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team) 1:59:31.091

EW
True to form, Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) blazed an absolute trail in EW, as she tackled the Offroad Advantage and WR450F tests. Hard on bike and body, Gardiner finished today’s racing with a total time of 2:09:29.387.

KTM’s Emelie Karlsson rode comfortably into second place today, with a total time of 2:15:50.689. This weekend has thrown Karlsson many challenges but even after over two hours on the bike, Karlsson pushed on!

Bronze was won by Ebony Nielsen, with a total time of 2:18:10.141.

“Today was very interesting! Tracks were pretty different to what we’re used to. Parts of the track asked me to dig deep and send it hard, so the stress on my body was tough,” confirmed Gardiner.

“Tomorrow we’re definitely going to regroup and recover. The long tests were hard on the body, so we need to rest and recover so we’re good to go again tomorrow.”

2022 AORC Round 3 EW Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 2:09:29.387
  2. Emelie Karlsson (KTM Offroad Racing Team) 2:15:50.689
  3. Ebony Nielsen 2:18:10.141
  4. Zoe Boccari (MPE Motorcycles, MPE Suspension) 2:29:41.656
  5. Charlotte Gamble 2:30:13.356


EM (Masters)
Over in EM, John Baker had a strong seven laps, leading the charge by over one minute! Clocking off with a total time of 2:08:23.111, Baker finished in first place ahead of Peter Rudd (Kessner Motorcycles, Husqvarna). Rudd finished Round 3 with a time of 2:09:51.089.

Rounding out the EM podium was Ian Jenner. After seven tough laps, Jenner clocked up a total time of 2:16:31.989.
Much of the action in EM kicked off between Jenner, Trent Brown and Kenneth Hicks, where mere seconds separated the three from each other.

2022 AORC Round 3 EM Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. John Baker 2:08:23.111
  2. Peter Rudd (Kessner Motorcycles, Husqvarna) 2:09:51.089
  3. Ian Jenner 2:16:31.989
  4. Trent Brown 2:16:33.765
  5. Kenneth Hicks 2:16:38.237

EV (Veterans)
Our EV class pushed bike, mind and body today, across the two test tracks. Coming out victorious was Christopher Thomas (Thomas Lee KTM), who finished seven laps with a total time of 2:03:25.104. Thomas set a strong lead ahead of his competition.

The EV podium was filled out by Jason Dwyer (Northern Performance) in second place with a time of 2:05:07.487, and Lee Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle) in third with a total time of 2:06:57.938.

2022 AORC Round 3 EV Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Christopher Thomas (Thomas Lee KTM) 2:03:25.104
  2. Jason Dwyer (Northern Performance) 2:05:07.487
  3. Lee Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle) 2:06:57.938
  4. Ian O’Brien (O’Brien Plumbing) 2:13:05.730
  5. Daniel Kent (Tyre Evolution, Futuresport Motorcycles) 2:13:49.006

2T (2 Stroke Cup)
It was fierce competition in our 2T class, as everyone fought for a spot on the podium. Coming in first was Kane Hall, with a total time of 1:54:04.129. Behind Hall in second place was Adam Giles, who finished his seven laps with a total time of 2:02.18.596.

The third and final podium position was clinched by Daniel Kelly, who finished Round 3 with a total time of 2:03:13.171.

2022 AORC Round 3 2T Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Kane Hall 1:54:04.129
  2. Adam Giles 2:02:18.596
  3. Daniel Kelly 2:03:13.171
  4. Jaymie Warr 2:09:42.843
  5. Harrison Strong 2:18:50.787

J4
Over on the MXstore test, our Juniors tackled a whopping 11 laps under the Queensland sun. In J4, Davey Gear (Sinclair Electrical Naracoorte, Limestone Coast Motorcycles Naracoorte) comfortably maintained a strong lead with a total time of 54:39.665. Sliding into second place today was Tate Young (Norwood Ag Solutions, Vie Financial), who finished Round 3 with a total time of 55:20.494.

Eli Tripcony claimed the final podium spot today, finishing 11 laps with a total time of 56:36.360.

2022 AORC Round 3 J4 Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Davey Gear (Sinclair Electrical Naracoorte, Limestone Coast Motorcycles Naracoorte) 54:39.665
  2. Tate Young (Norwood Ag Solutions, Vie Financial) 55:20.494
  3. Eli Tripcony 56:36.360
  4. Jack Byrne (Fox Australia, Fox Racing Australia) 56:51.363
  5. Jet Brien (Allpower Onsite Auto Electrics) 58:52.385

J3
The times were tight in J3 today, with seconds separating first, second and third! Claiming the gold was Levi Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle), who screamed across the MXstore test track with a total time of 55:14.973.

Dylan McDonald (Yamaha Frank Spice Parkes) stole away silver from Ollie Gear (Sinclair Electrical Naracoorte, Limestone Coast Newcastle), with a total time of 55:39.641. Gear conceded for bronze, with a total time of 55:53.614.

2022 AORC Round 3 J3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Levi Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle) 55:14.973
  2. Dylan McDonald (Yamaha Frank Spice Parkes) 55:39.641
  3. Ollie Gear (Sinclair Electrical Naracoorte, Limestone Coast Newcastle) 55:53.614
  4. Charlie Connolly 56:02.871
  5. Lachlan Metcalf (Simford Motorsports Group, SS Citrus) 56:46.255

J2
The humidity and tough test track didn’t faze Marcus Nowland, who claimed first place in J2 today with a total time of 56:43.315. Nowland took out the win with an impressive near two-minute lead.

Second and third was won by Jesse Ryan (Guts Racing Aus, Tunetech Suspension) and Mason Phillips, who each clocked in a total time of 58:50.511 and 58:52.518. Yep, you read that right! Roughly two seconds separated Ryan and Phillips. The battle was tense right up until they crossed the finish line on that 11th test.

2022 AORC Round 3 J2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Marcus Nowland 56:43.315
  2. Jesse Ryan (Guts Racing Aus, Tunetech Suspension) 58:50.511
  3. Mason Phillips 58:52.518
  4. Lachlan Roche (Simford Groups Motorsport) 59:57.090
  5. Kai Austin (B&S Wurst Carpentry, Wolf & Huntress Clothing) 59:58.748

J1
Harley Hutton (Yamaha Motor Australia) had a very successful day here in Mackay, taking out the class win for J1 with a total time of 1:01:23.405. Hutton finished roughly 30 seconds ahead of the competition, cementing an exciting prospect for the rest of his racing weekend.

Darcy Burke (Future Sport Motorcycles, Keymasters) claimed second in J1 today, with a total time of 1:02:03.906. Third place was won by Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus) who clocked a total time of 1:05:04.745.

2022 AORC Round 3 J1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Harley Hutton (Yamaha Motor Australia) 1:01:23.405
  2. Darcy Burke (Future Sport Motorcycles, Keymasters) 1:02:03.906
  3. Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus) 1:05:04.745
  4. Drake Hutton (Belle Property Samford Racing) 1:05:23.847
  5. Phoenix O’Brien (Inix Group, Montdami Construction) 1:05:57.221

JG
Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) was a demon behind the handlebars today, as she clocked a stellar time of 55:30.075! The Yamaha boarded rider was totally at home here in Mackay, as she pushed through her 11 test laps.

The remaining podium positions in JG today were clinched by Madi Simpson and Bella Burke (Future Sport Motorcycles, Keymasters Locksmiths), with total times of 59:24.363 and 1:01:59.626 respectively.

2022 AORC Round 3 JG Top 5 Provisional Results:

  1. Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 55:30.075
  2. Madi Simpson 59:24.363
  3. Bella Burke (Future Sport Motorcycles, Keymasters Locksmiths) 1:01:59.626
  4. Jade Chellas (Northbound Driver Training) 1:02:28.030
  5. Sinead Maher (Simford) 1:05:23.513

JJ
Over in JJ, Clayton Walsh (Futuresport Motorcycles) took out the class win for Round 3! With a total time of 1:04:17.869, Walsh comfortably claimed the gold ahead of second place. Cooper Clarke took out second, with a total time of 1:09:00.864.

The final podium spot was won by Leo Tripcony, who finished today’s racing with a total time of 1:10:10.167.

2022 AORC Round 3 JJ Top 4 Provisional Results:

  1. Clayton Walsh (Futuresport Motorcycles) 1:04:17.869
  2. Cooper Clarke 1:09:00.864
  3. Leo Tripcony 1:10:10.167
  4. Alex Burow (Airconditioning Queensland) 1:16:22.063

The AORC field returns bright and early tomorrow for another full day of Sprints. To keep the party going, be sure to change the channel to SBS next Sunday 17 April at 1pm, to watch our opening weekend in Cherrabah, for Rounds 1 & 2!

Words by Caitlin Hynes. Images by Troy Pears.

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