AORC Dungog Inside Line

We’re here for you. Let the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC) help you pick your perfect line as you head into this weekend’s two-day Enduro at Dungog, New South Wales for Rounds 3 & 4. 

Dungog has seen many a challenge for our riders, delivering an excellent platform on which our competitors can be propelled to the world-class status. This is reflected with the likes of our very own E2 Champion, Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team), E3 Champion, Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) and record-breaking Women’s Champion, Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha Ballards MXstore Off-Road Racing Team).

As we dive right in to the next two rounds of the 2020 season, after one thrilling weekend to kick off the action up north in Toowoomba, Queensland, we sat down with Dungog Motorcycle Club’s President, Trent Lean, to give us – and you – the Inside Line On Dungog. 

So what can we expect from Dungog’s two-day Enduro? 

As Lean explains, “It’s going to be the same Enduro format – same as 2019. Juniors will be on one side of the property and the seniors on the other. 

“We’ve changed it up from last year but again, it’s a similar format and order as riders have previously experienced. This is done especially to maximise ride times on the tests.”

What have they changed up, you ask? Well as Lean explains, these changes are built off the two-day Enduro back in 2019, where the club has “Changed how the pit works, based on last year, to make less vehicle and rider interactions at the gates. This will be something each competitor notices during their racing over the weekend.

“We’ve also taken on board that not having a control in the bush was fairly demanding on the riders, so what we’ve done in response to this is given them more time in the control which means they won’t have to travel as fast on the trail, plus we’ve given them a bit more time in the pits.

“So it’s made it safer for the general public who might be driving through the forest because the riders are less pressed for time compared to last year, whilst also giving the riders more time in the paddock. This may lengthen their day out a little bit but will actively help ensure they’re not physically and mentally exhausted at the end of the day.”

So picture this – Dungog’s green, rolling plains with fresh rain. But what about the tests and trail rides for our Seniors and Juniors?

“The two Senior tests are approximately 3.5KM in length but the time on each will be different because one is a flowy grass track and the other one is in the bush. So although they’re the same length, the times will be different based on the different conditions. 

“The trail through the forest will be approximately 40KM in length, so the total distance will come in just under 50KM for the two tests and trail ride. 

“Juniors will experience a new test this year, as we’ve moved away from the river and moved it up into the forest on the other side of the property.”

This is a huge feat that the Dungog Motorcycle Club continue to undertake every year, and that should never go unnoticed or unthanked. As Lean highlights, “It’s a big deal for us and we hope everyone appreciates the time and effort our club has put in. 

“We’re the only club in Australia that do this two-day Enduro and when you consider that it takes up five weeks to set up and three to pack down, there’s a lot of man-hours and volunteered time to make this event happen.”

Can’t wait? Neither can we! Prepare yourself for tomorrow’s Entry List, a catch-up with Yamaha Active8 Yamalube’s Josh Green as well as our handy bible, What You Need To Know on Friday. All will be released on aorc.org.au and TeamApp, so keep your eyes peeled for each release.

All will be released on our website and TeamApp, so ensure you have your eyes locked on both to immediate updates.

Images courtesy of Troy Pears.

Words by Caitlin Hynes.