Bacon served all day long
Let’s set the scene. There are blue skies. Sandy, dry and dusty tracks. Low temperatures. Put it all together and you’ve got a tough day of racing, made sweet by the reward of success. Round five of the 2024 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC) combined low visibility with high speeds, requiring riders to leave it all out on the WR450F track.
Today’s Sprints wrapped up after six tests, with Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Off Road Racing Team) claiming the win in E1, Daniel Milner (KTM Australia, DM31 Racing Team) in E2, Jye Dickson (Beta Racing Australia) in E3, Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) in EW and Jett Yarnold (Yamaha Motor Australia, Yamalube) in EJ.
Milner also claimed the fastest overall time, finishing with a total time of 40:06.912.
For all remaining AORC classes and their provisional results, click here.
This event is proudly supported by the Victorian Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program.
E1
After a hapless end to Mount Misery’s round four thanks to a chain issue, Bacon came out swinging in round five. After six sprints, the Tasmanian was unbeatable in E1 with a total time of 40:35.610. Bacon won by over one minute ahead of Korey McMahon (GASGAS Australia, Motorex, 41:50.297), followed by Tom Buxton (KTM Australia, DM31 Racing Team, 43:46.828) in third.
“Took a little bit to get going today but I still managed some decent test times,” said Bacon.
“It feels good to be back on the top step in the E1 class. Korey and I have been battling since Mount Misery, so it’s good to get the Yamaha back on top.
“Conditions out there are pretty rough. There’s dust everywhere. You have to be aware all the time, with roots everywhere that can catch you out and the dust makes it hard to see what’s underneath. It’s going to be an interesting day tomorrow and I’m looking forward to it!”
Round five E1 provisional results:
- Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Off Road Racing Team) 40:35.610
- Korey McMahon (GASGAS Australia, Motorex) 41:50.297
- Tom Buxton (KTM Australia, DM31 Racing Team) 43:46.828
E2
Is it any surprise that the DM31 Racing team member was up front all day in E2? Milner claimed another exceptional win, leaving his competition in the literal dust with a victory of just over 40 seconds. The WR450F track didn’t seem to faze the seasoned racer, who screamed across each and every test without so much as a hint of worry.
“Round five went well for me,” said Milner.
“We have come out here to a pretty dry track due to lack of rain but the track has been awesome!
“I just tried to stay smooth and consistent and not make any mistakes, which we did, so I felt good and strong in my riding. I also feel like I’ve had a good amount of time on the bike since my injury.
“It’s been a good day and I’m looking forward to tomorrow!”
Behind Milner in second place was once again Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco). While the Tasmanian couldn’t maintain the speeds set by Milner, he comfortably protected his silver medal.
Will Dennett (Shop Yamaha, Threesix Motorsports) clinched the third step today, ahead of Max Midwinter (Ride Tune Suspension, Blue Lake Motorcycles) by just over 40 seconds. The Queenslander was at home on the sandy track, clocking off with a total time of 41:41.013.
Round five E2 provisional results:
- Daniel Milner (KTM Australia, DM31 Racing Team) 40:06.912
- Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco) 40:49.568
- Will Dennett (Shop Yamaha, Threesix Motorsports) 41:41.013
E3
There was a shake-up in E3 today with current championship leader Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) not at his bullocking best, leaving the top step wide open.
After six tough sprints, Jye Dickson (Beta Racing Australia) stole the show, claiming first ahead of Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna).
Granquist’s fellow Husqvarna racer Billy Hargy (Simford Group Motorsport) was third.
“The tracks were sandy and chewed up, which I race back home, so I felt pretty comfortable out there. There was a lot of tricky roots and sandy whoops,” said Dickson.
“Stefan and I had a pretty tight race all day so I’m planning on staying consistent tomorrow to help protect my spot in first.”
Round five E3 provisional results:
- Jye Dickson (Beta Racing Australia) 41:27.546
- Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) 42:14.622
- Billy Hargy (Simford Group Motorsport) 43:18.589
EW
McDonald carried over her recent momentum into round five as she claimed the spoils ahead of Jess Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) by 25 seconds.
“Round five was great! The track conditions really suit me, especially compared to Mount Misery, so I really thrived out there,” said McDonald.
“The competition between me and Jess was really cool! We went back and forth all day, pushing each other to get the best results.”
Emelie Karlsson (Cassons, Husqvarna), was third.
Round five EW provisional results:
- Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 47:56.797
- Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 48:21.623
- Emelie Karlsson (Cassons, Husqvarna) 49:51.797
EJ
Yarnold took out another class win, leading from the front all day and clocking off with a total time of 42:37.419.
“Round five was good,” said Yarnold. “The track was pretty tough and I’m not usually good in the sand, so I’m very happy with my results today.
“The competition was tight between me and the boys and I’m looking forward to sending it again tomorrow.”
Davey Gear (Limestone Coast Motorcycles, Yamaha Australia) was second ahead of Will McInnes (Blue City Motorcycles, KTM).
Round five EJ provisional results:
- Jett Yarnold (Yamaha Motor Australia, Yamalube) 42:37.419
- Davey Gear (Limestone Coast Motorcycles, Yamaha Australia) 43:21.058
- Will McInnes (Blue City Motorcycles, KTM) 44:04.184
For provisional results for all remaining classes, please click here.
For more information, news and updates, visit aorc.org.au.
Words by Caitlin Hynes. Images by Troy Pears.
