Wonka the Conqueror

Round 11 of the 2023 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC) featured blue skies, hot weather and plenty of dusty, technical tests for the timecard Enduro. True to form, Dungog’s epic scenery has left unforgettable memories for six new 2023 AORC Champions: Josh Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) in E2, Will ‘Wonka’ Dennett (Yamaha Australia) in EJ, Jess Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) in EW, Rowan Pumpa (Kessner Motorcycles, Motorex) in EM, Leigh Bentley (Yamaha) in EV and Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) in JG.

All remaining 2023 AORC Champions will be decided tomorrow, in Round 12. After today’s racing, the Round 11 Senior winners included Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) in E1, Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco) in E2, Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) in E3, Gardiner in EW, Damian Smith (Husqvarna) in EM, Darren Lloyd in (Husqvarna) EV, Stephen Matheson (Bite Me Bakehouse, SMW Hornsby) in EL and Blake Scott (KTM) in 2T.

For our Juniors, today’s Round 11 winners included Dennett in EJ, Riley Crimmins (KTM) in J4, McDonald in JG, Bradley Rayner (KTM Newcastle, Dungog MCC) in J3, Harley Hutton (GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing) in J2, Darcy Huston (Citycoast Motorcycles, Holeshot graphics) in J1 and Ryder Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) in JJ.

Fastest overall time was won by Reynders, with a total time of 50:59.551.

E1

He’s climbing back up the leader board and he’s definitely on a mission to take home the Champion title. Bacon finished today’s one-day Enduro with a total time of 51:23.008 and the Round 11 E1 class win. His GASGAS rival, Korey McMahon just couldn’t quite meet Bacon’s blistering speeds, dropping valuable seconds to finish in third place.

The star of the show today was Yamaha’s Cooper Sheidow. The South Australian was sitting pretty in first place on the Championship leader board as we headed into Dungog and if he keeps up the steady work, he could leave this weekend with a coveted AORC E1 Championship title!

For Round 11, Sheidow finished in second place ahead of McMahon, thanks to a total time of 52:33.019.

2023 AORC Round 11 E1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 51:23.008
2. Cooper Sheidow (Yamaha) 52:33.019
3. Korey McMahon (GASGAS Australia, Motorex) 52:52.390
4. Brock Nichols (Husqvarna) 53:23.979
5. Troy Weinert (KTM) 58:46.231

Tefol E2

Green’s consistency all year, battling it out with the likes of Reynders, Andy Wilksch (KTM Australia, Alpinestars) and Jye Dickson (GASGAS), has seen him crowned as the 2023 AORC Tefol E2 Champion! With at least four AORC titles under his belt, Green confirmed that, “I’m just stoked to do it again and be a back-to-back Champion.”

“E2 is always one of the strong classes and this year Jonte, Andy, Fraser and Jye really pushed me. It was a really tough year for me! I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to my Shop Yamaha team, my whole crew, my team back at home, my sponsors and everyone who helped me get to this moment.”

Winning the Round 11 Tefol E2 class was Reynders. The speed demon created a whopping near one-minute lead ahead of Green, to claim an undisputed first place finish. Green rode happily into second place, ahead of Dickson in third. Dickson finished eight tests in today’s timecard Enduro with a total time of 52:26.420.

2023 AORC Round 11 E2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco) 50:59.551
2. Joshua Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 51:58.967
3. Jye Dickson (GASGAS) 52:26.420
4. Andy Wilksch (KTM Australia, Alpinestars) 52:30.733
5. Travis Silk (Pro-Moto Suspension, KTM) 53:14.148

E3

It was less than two seconds that separated Granquist and Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) from the top step! After eight gruelling tests in today’s timecard Enduro, Granquist managed to fight McGillivray, the heat and the dry track conditions to claim the gold.

McGillivray settled for second place, leaving Simford Motorsport Group’s Sam Pretscherer to clinch the third and final podium spot. After a long day on the bike, Pretscherer clocked off with a total time of 53:32.877.

It all comes down to tomorrow for the super competitive E3 class, with only a few points hanging in the balance.

2023 AORC Round 11 E3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) 52:30.222
2. Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) 52:32.223
3. Sam Pretscherer (Simford Motorsport Group) 53:32.877
4. Thomas Henry (Beta) 54:13.773
5. Patrick McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, Tunetech Suspension) 55:26.063

EW

Claiming her eighth Australian Championship title today, Gardiner won the show well and truly with another EW class win thanks to a total time of 58:40.217. Reflecting on the past season, Gardiner explained that “I’m 30 years old now and to get my eighth title is pretty special.”

“It’s been a big year, especially after just coming back from Portugal and wrapping up another Aussie title. Thank you to everyone who supports me, you’ve all become like family to me.

“Today was quite dusty and the club did an awesome considering all the conditions. It was really fun to do a traditional Enduro to cap off the season.”

Ebony Nielsen (Beta) won second place today ahead of Husqvarna’s Emelie Karlsson. After eight tests they clocked off with respective total times of 59:57.570 and 1:00:46.232.

2023 AORC Round 11 EW Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 58:40.217
2. Ebony Nielsen (Beta) 59:57.570
3. Emelie Karlsson (Husqvarna) 1:00:46.232
4. Courtney Rubie (KTM) 1:03:16.786
5. Ariana Collins (Husqvarna) 1:08:17.218

EJ

The man of the moment! The 2023 season well and truly belongs to the EJ giant, Dennett as he celebrates both the 2023 EJ Championship title and the Round 11 class win. Dennett beat Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team) to the punch today, putting a sizeable distance between them to win. Hargy won second place today, with a total time of 45:30.565.

“I would like to thank my dad in particular,” confirmed Dennett.

“He’s always been there to support me, help me and I believe he’s the reason I’m here today celebrating my first Australian Championship title.

“Today’s racing was great. The tracks got rougher throughout the day and as it got rougher, I felt more comfortable. Tomorrow I’ll go and have fun and definitely still aim for the win.”

Rounding out the podium in third was Jett Yarnold (Yamaha Australia, Yamalube). With a total time of 45:49.053, Yarnold was breathing hard down Hargy’s neck. It should be all action tomorrow in EJ for the final 2023 Round.

2023 AORC Round 11 EJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Will Dennett (Yamaha Australia) 44:45.643
2. Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team) 45:30.565
3. Jett Yarnold (Yamaha Australia, Yamalube) 45:49.053
4. Luke Chellas (Northbound Driver Training, KTM) 47:02.329
5. Eli Tripcony (Husqvarna) 47:14.716

EM (Masters)

He may have come in second for Round 11 but Bentley’s consistency all season long has won him a well-deserved 2023 AORC EM Championship title! With a total time of 59:51.909, Bentley was fairly comfortable here in Dungog regardless of the hot weather and dry conditions.

Winning the Round 11 EM class was Smith, thanks to an impressive total time of 56:15.914 after eight tests.

Rounding out the EM podium for Round 11 was Sam Miller (Hartley Service Centre, KTM), who clocked off today with a total time of 1:04:33.513.

2023 AORC Round 11 EM Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Damian Smith (Husqvarna) 56:15.914
2. Leigh Bentley (Yamaha) 59:51.909
3. Sam Miller (Hartley Service Centre, KTM) 1:04:33.513
4. Stephen Hicks (Husqvarna) 1:05:04.505
5. Loui Stylianou (GASGAS) 1:06:19.029

EV (Veterans)

Similar to EM, Pumpa clocked off eight tests in second place for EV in Round 11 but his steadfast presence on the podium all season sees him win the 2023 AORC EV Championship title! Pumpa clocked off today with a total time of 57:19.907.

Claiming the top step for Round 11 today was Lloyd, with a red-hot total time of 55:28.711. Lloyd cooked the competition, with a new two-minute lead ahead of Pumpa and a near five-minute lead ahead of Brett McDonnell (KTM).

McDonnell claimed the final podium spot today.

2023 AORC Round 11 EV Top 5 Provisional Result:

1. Darren Lloyd (Husqvarna) 55:28.711
2. Rowan Pumpa (Kessner Motorcycles, Motorex) 57:19.907
3. Brett McDonnell (KTM) 1:00:44.413
4. Justin Seymour (Suttos, KTM) 1:01:40.182
5. Josh Murphy (Driftcon, KTM) 1:04:16.378

EL (Enduro Legends)

Matheson just couldn’t be beat today in EL, as he created a near one-minute lead ahead of his competition. Behind Matheson in second place was Craig Treasure (Husqvarna), thanks to a total time of 1:05:18.205. Rounding out the podium today after eight tests of today’s Enduro, was Jason Pearce (KTM) with a total time of 1:05:56.901.

2023 AORC Round 11 EL Top 5 Provisional Result:

1. Stephen Matheson (Bite Me Bakehouse, SMW Hornsby) 1:04:29.434
2. Craig Treasure (Husqvarna) 1:05:18.205
3. Jason Pearce (KTM) 1:05:56.901
4. Robert Dummer (Husqvarna) 1:07:42.214
5. Wayne Smith (Ray Smith Electrical, Husqvarna) 1:11:34.972

2T

After eight tests underneath Dungog’s scorching sun, Scott claimed the top step in 2T with a total time of 1:14:14.782. Behind Scott in second place today was Tim Newman (Clearview Innovations, GASGAS), thanks to a total time of 1:16:54.227.

2023 AORC Round 11 2T Top 2 Provisional Result:

1. Blake Scott (KTM) 1:14:14.782
2. Tim Newman (Clearview Innovations, GASGAS) 1:16:54.227

EWD (Enduro Women’s Development)

It was a hard day of riding here in Dungog but Shaylynne Kuhnke (Yamaha) pushed on to complete six tests of today’s Enduro. Kuhnke clocked off Round 11 with a total time of 3:15:21.510,

2023 AORC Round 11 EWD Provisional Result:

1. Shaylynne Kuhnke (Yamaha) 3:15:21.510

J4

Crimmins won by a landslide in J4, creating a whopping near 1-minute lead to claim gold. With a total time of 36:28.357, Crimmins beat Jackson Versteegen (Savage Motorcycles, Michelin) to the top step, leaving the Savage Motorcycles rider to settle for second.

Rounding out the J4 podium after six tests in today’s Enduro format was Ryan Jordan (NW Motorcycles D Signs). Jordan clocked off with a total time of 37:18.328.

2023 AORC Round 11 J4 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Riley Crimmins (KTM) 35:26.666
2. Jackson Versteegen (Savage Motorcycles, Michelin) 36:28.357
3. Ryan Jordan (NW Motorcycles D Signs) 37:18.328
4. Oliver Paterno (Port Macquarie Motorcycles) 37:28.190
5. Levi Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle) 37:28.458

JG

McDonald has claimed her second AORC JG Championship title! Even with plenty of Championship points under her belt, McDonald didn’t take it easy for Round 11, screaming across Dungog to claim another JG class win. Her Round 11 win was marked by just over a 5-minute lead.

Jade Chellas (KTM) rode into second place today, with a total time of 44:48.664 after six tests. Behind Chellas in third place was Amity Cork (Corkys Electrical, Beta), thanks to a total time of 47:57.057.

2023 AORC Round 11 JG Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 38:02.550
2. Jade Chellas (KTM) 44:48.664
3. Amity Cork (Corkys Electrical, Beta) 47:57.057
4. Tia Bowers (Two Wheel Obsession, Yamaha) 51:31.202
5. Olivia Johnson (Husqvarna) 53:00.705

J3

Rayner has protected his top dog position in J3, bringing the success in Kyogle down to Dungog! With a first-place finish thanks to a total time of 36:40.920, Rayner was mere seconds ahead of Dylan McDonald (McDonald Racing).

McDonald conceded for second place, clocking off with a total time of 36:46.173. Rounding out the podium today was Cooper Boyd (Port Macquarie Motorcycles, Mid Coast Bearings Taree). Boyd fought off Oscar Harris (Simford Group Motorsport) to win bronze, clocking off with a total time of 37:42.887.

2023 AORC Round 11 J3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Bradley Rayner (KTM Newcastle, Dungog MCC) 36:40.920
2. Dylan McDonald (McDonald Racing) 36:46.173
3. Cooper Boyd (Port Macquarie Motorcycles, Mid Coast Bearings Taree) 37:42.887
4. Oscar Harris (Simford Group Motorsport) 38:04.496
5. Beau Tripcony (Husqvarna) 38:06.898

J2

Yamaha’s Hutton claimed a strong win today in J2, with more than one minute lead ahead of his competition. After six tests and a long day under the Dungog sun, Hutton is looking primed to continue his success into Round 12 tomorrow.

Harry Hubbard (Tdub, QB4) claimed silver today, thanks to a total time of 39:56.285. Behind Hubbard in third place was Kai Austin (Wauchope Concrete, RSM Motorcycles), with a time of 40:45.104.

2023 AORC Round 11 J2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Harley Hutton (GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing) 38:46.904
2. Harry Hubbard (Tdub, QB4) 39:56.285
3. Kai Austin (Wauchope Concrete, RSM Motorcycles) 40:45.104
4. Nate Munro (Powerhouse Motorcycles, 501 Motorsports) 41:16.269
5. Harry Gilbertson (Brandt John Deere, Sears Electrical) 41:21.701

J1

After six tough tests in today’s Enduro, Huston claimed first place. With a total time of 30:44.839, Huston finished ahead of Phoenix O’Brien (Inix Group, Montdami Bongiorno) with minimal seconds to spare, especially considering O’Brien clocked off with a total time of 31:07.644. Rounding out the Round 11 J1 podium was Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus). Weston managed to fend off Levi Rossi (Paint Tech SA, Kessner Motorcycles) and Cooper Clarke (Maiden Homes, KTM) for the final podium spot, thanks to a total time of 31:32.835.

2023 AORC Round 11 J1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Darcy Huston (Citycoast Motorcycles, Holeshot graphics) 30:44.839
2. Phoenix O’Brien (Inix Group, Montdami Bongiorno) 31:07.644
3. Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus) 31:32.835
4. Levi Rossi (Paint Tech SA, Kessner Motorcycles) 31:47.231
5. Cooper Clarke (Maiden Homes, KTM) 31:47.611

JJ

It was action-central in JJ, as Burchell tangoed with Ryder Lambing and Maxi Harris for the top step. Like Groundhog Day, you might remember that this is the same podium from Kyogle from Round 10! Burchell clinched first place thanks to a total time of 34:01.067. Lambing conceded for second ahead of Harris in third, each with total times of 34:30.044 and 34:33.282, respectively.

2023 AORC Round 11 JJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Ryder Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) 34:01.067
2. Ryder Lambing (GasMoto, Monza Imports) 34:30.044
3. Maxi Harris (Morgans Financial Port Macquarie, KTM) 34:33.282
4. Thomas Hathway (Get Switched On) 36:58.332
5. Zain Lennon (GASGAS) 38:41.599

Don’t go anywhere! We’re back bright eyed and bushy tailed tomorrow morning, for the twelfth and final AORC Round. All remaining Champions will be crowned in another one-day Enduro.

Words by Caitlin Hynes. Images by Troy Pears.