Pretscherer pushes past the pressure

With an early feature of heavy rainfall, Mendooran was perfectly primed for our internationally renowned riders, for the opening two Rounds of the 2023 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented by MXstore (AORC). Round 1 racing was Sprints and our victors included Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) in E1, Josh Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) in E2, Sam Pretscherer (Simford Motorsport Group) in E3, Will Dennett in EJ and Taylor Thompson (Excite Motorsports, Yamaha) in EW.

The AORC pits were filled with 370 riders from across Australia. On the Ballards MXstore test was E1, E2, E3, EJ, 2T, Pony Express and J4. Brodie Brainwood (Toosharp Boxing, Husqvarna) took the win in 2T, Team Kilvington (Team Motomoorooka, HousePro Property Group) in Pony Express and Davey Gear (Limestone Coast Motorcycles, Yamaha) in J4.

On the WR450F test was our remaining Juniors, with victory claimed by Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) in JG, Ollie Gear (Limestone Coast Newcastle, Yamaha) in J3, Harry Gilbertson (Brandt John Deere, Sears Electrical) in J2, Darcy Huston (Citycoast Motorcycles, Holeshot graphics) in J1 and Ryder Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) in JJ.

Our remaining classes including EW tackled the Offroad Advantage test, seeing success from Lee Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle) in EV, Damian Smith (Husqvarna) in EM, Craig Treasure (Husqvarna) in EL and Shaylynne Kuhnke in EWD.

E1

It was a fierce fight for the highest speeds and the quickest time but unfortunately Bacon couldn’t beat his fellow Yamaha teammate, Green for the fastest time of the day. Instead, Bacon enjoyed a well-deserved win in E1 for Round 1, just seconds ahead of Gas Gas’s Korey McMahon.

Bacon finished seven Sprints with a total time of 1:05:11.553, while McMahon clocked in at 1:05:25.554. The battle between these two exceptional riders who many might remember from the 2022 International Six Days Enduro Team, was spectacular. Mere seconds separated Bacon and McMahon all throughout today’s racing and it truly came down to the wire.

Bronze for Round 1 went to Yamaha boarded racer, Cooper Sheidow (Yamaha), with a total time of 1:06:40.242.

2023 AORC Round 1 E1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Kyron Bacon (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 1:05:11.553
2. Korey McMahon (GasGas Australia, Suttos Powersports) 1:05:25.554
3. Cooper Sheidow (Yamaha) 1:06:40.242
4. Will Price (Empire Kawasaki Off Road Team) 1:12:39.224
5. Brock Nichols (Husqvarna) 1:15:01.536

E2

You know what they say, the grass is Greener…

It was undeniably Green’s day here in Mendooran. Having already stated he was very at home on the sandy tracks here in NSW, Green just couldn’t be beat as he finished seven Sprints with a total time of 1:04:53.288. This also marked the fastest overall time of the day!

Behind Green in second place today was Jye Dickson (Gas Gas). A familiar face from the 2022 season, the Gas Gas rider put his Motocross experience to good use, clocking up red hot times that turned heads. Dickson finished today’s racing with a total time of 1:06:04.145.

The final podium position was stolen away by household favourite, Fraser Higlett (Beta). After seven Sprints, Higlett clocked 1:07:16.684.

2023 AORC Round 1 E2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Joshua Green (Shop Yamaha Offroad Racing Team) 1:04:53.288
2. Jye Dickson (Gas Gas) 1:06:04.145
3. Fraser Higlett (Beta) 1:07:16.684
4. Jonte Reynders (Motul Pirelli Sherco Racing Team) 1:07:55.692
5. Travis Silk (KTM) 1:10:28.238

E3

Pretscherer came out and stole the show early on, setting up blistering times in the first Sprints and putting a target on his back. As the day wore on and the body tired, Pretscherer couldn’t beat Green for the fastest time but he did take home the E3 Round 1 win.

With a total time of 1:05:36.788, Pretscherer finished ahead of second place holder, Stefan Granquist. The Husqvarna rider finished today with a total time of 1:09:10.793.

Behind Granquist by roughly 40 seconds was KTM’s Riley McGillivray. McGillivray was one to watch today as he successfully navigated the challenges Mendooran had to offer, keeping Patrick McGillivray (Gas Gas) and Luke Bunnik (Beta, Limestone Coast Motorcycles) at bay.

2023 AORC Round 1 E3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Sam Pretscherer (Simford Motorsport Group) 1:05:36.788
2. Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) 1:09:10.793
3. Riley McGillivray (Shepparton Motorcycles, KTM) 1:09:49.049
4. Patrick McGillivray (Gas Gas) 1:14:01.606
5. Luke Bunnik (Beta, Limestone Coast Motorcycles) 1:17:15.880

EW

It was Groundhog Day here in Mendooran for EW, as we witnessed a repeated success across the Offroad Advantage test by Thompson. With her Motocross mind switched on, Thompson stole the show to win Round 1 with a total time of 1:01:51.835.

Gardiner settled for second place, finishing eight Sprints with a total time of 1:03:30.696. If Mendooran in 2022 is anything to go by, we are sure to witness the reigning Champion, ride like a demon behind the handlebars to win that gold. Husqvarna’s Emelie Karlsson claimed the final podium position today with a total time of 1:07:37.771.

2023 AORC Round 1 EW Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Taylor Thompson (Excite Motorsports, Yamaha) 1:01:51.835
2. Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 1:03:30.696
3. Emelie Karlsson (Husqvarna) 1:07:37.771
4. Courtney Rubie (KTM Newcastle) 1:08:20.020
5. Ariana Collins (Husqvarna) 1:10:10.091

EJ

Dennett came into the opening weekend of the 2023 season refreshed, reinvigorated and raring to go. It showed as he rode into an easy first place win for Round 1. With a total time of 1:06:22.895, Dennett finished more than two minutes ahead of second place.

Luke Chellas (KTM) claimed silver, finishing seven laps across Ballards MXstore test with a total time of 1:09:57.996.

The third podium post was clinched by Campbell Hall (Yamaha), who finished seven Sprints with a total time of 1:10:58.171.

2023 AORC Round 1 EJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. William Dennett (Yamaha Australia) 1:06:22.895
2. Luke Chellas (KTM) 1:09:57.996
3. Campbell Hall (Yamaha) 1:10:58.171
4. Billy Hargy (Husqvarna Offroad Racing Team) 1:11:17.675
5. Benjamin Lynch (Bunbury KTM, Blue Hire Pump) 1:15:37.200

EM (Masters)

Saturday’s success belongs to Smith, who took home to EM Round 1 win. After a tough eight Sprints on the Offroad Advantage test, Smith crossed the finish line with a total time of 1:01:27.574. Behind Smith in second place today was Leigh Bentley with a total time of 1:04:37.972.

Last but certainly not least was Darren Grattan in third for Round 1. Grattan clocked in with a total time of 1:04:55.253, right behind Bentley.

2023 AORC Round 1 EM Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Damien Smith (Husqvarna) 1:01:27.574
2. Leigh Bentley (Yamaha) 1:04:37.972
3. Darren Grattan (KTM) 1:04:55.253
4. Jason Pearce (KTM) 1:05:45.123
5. Peter Rudd (Kessner Motorcycles, Husqvarna) 1:07:12.286

EV (Veterans)

Stephens was back in what surely feels like his rightful position, in first for EV. With eight laps under his belt across the Offroad Advantage test, Stephens pushed hard enough to beat Darren Lloyd (Bagger Brother Cycles) for the top step. Lloyd finished roughly nine seconds behind Stephens with a total time of 59:05.751.

The final podium was clinched by Nathan Brochtrup (DK Heavy Plant & Services, Peelys), with a total time of 1:00:44.707.

2023 AORC Round 1 EV Top 5 Provisional Result:

1. Lee Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle) 58:56.592
2. Darren Lloyd (Bagger Brother Cycles) 59:05.751
3. Nathan Brochtrup (DK Heavy Plant & Services, Peelys) 1:00:44.707
4. Christopher Thomas (Thomas Lee KTM) 1:02:55.737
5. Rowan Pumpa (Kessner Motorcycles, Motorex) 1:03:32.705

EL (Enduro Legends)

Round 1 marked the first day of racing for our brand new Enduro Legends class. Flying across the Offroad Advantage test, it was Treasure who claimed the first ever first EL win. Treasure finished eight laps with a total time of 1:11:55.196.

A hair’s breadth away from first, Gregory Wilson finished right behind Treasure, with a total time of 1:11:56.114. Rounding out the podium today was Stephen Matheson, who finished today’s racing with a total time of 1:13:30.116.

2023 AORC Round 1 EL Top 5 Provisional Result:

1. Craig Treasure (Husqvarna) 1:11:55.196
2. Gregory Wilson (KTM) 1:11:56.114
3. Stephen Matheson (Bite Me Bakehouse, SMW Hornsby) 1:13:30.116
4. Joe Ondrus 1:14:27.699
5. Robert Drummer 1:17:42.978

2T (2 Stroke Cup)

It was a hard slog out there on the Ballards MXstore test. After seven Sprints, Brainwood came out victorious with a total time of 1:16:55.336. Behind Brainwood in second was Tim Newman (Gas Gas), with a total time of 1:54:21.282.

2023 AORC Round 1 2T Top 2 Provisional Result:

1. Brodie Brainwood (Toosharp Boxing, Husqvarna) 1:26:40.643
2. Tim Newman (Gas Gas) 1:54:21.282

EWD (Enduro Women’s Development)

Today marked the first ever EWD addition! After eight hard fought laps across the Offroad Advantage test, it was Kuhnke who took out the fastest time and the win. With a total time of 1:31:33.491, she finished ahead of Angela Yi and Jessica Mifsud in second a third, respectively.

2023 AORC Round 1 EWD Top 3 Provisional Result:

1. Shaylynne Kuhnke 1:31:33.491
2. Angela Yi 1:39:11.990
3. Jessica Mifsud 1:54:10.243

Pony Express

The Pony Express was back on AORC soil and obviously, we’re thrilled to have them! In Round 1, it was Kilvington central, with Joshua and Clay coming in first for Team Motomoorooka.

2023 AORC Round 1 Pony Express Top 2 Provisional Result:

1. Joshua Kilvington (Team Motomoorooka, HousePro Property Group) 1:16:55.336
2. Clay Kilvington (Team Motomoorooka, HousePro Property Group) 1:19:25.072

J4

Since the 2022 season, Gear has clearly put in plenty of hours and it has paid off. Taking home the J4 Round 1 win today, Gear kept himself ahead of the pack by nearly two minutes. The Ballards MXstore test threw plenty of challenges for our J4 riders but by keeping a steady head, they absolutely dominated. Gear finished today with a total time of 1:15:23.179.

Behind Gear in second and third was Oliver Paterno (Port Macquarie Motorcycles, DAS Suspensions) and Levi Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle), clocking respective total times of 1:17:17.517 and 1:18:15.590.

2023 AORC Round 1 J4 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Davey Gear (Limestone Coast Motorcycles, Yamaha) 1:15:23.179
2. Oliver Paterno (Port Macquarie Motorcycles, DAS Suspensions) 1:17:17.517
3. Levi Stephens (True Painting, KTM Newcastle) 1:18:15.590
4. Zane Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) 1:19:14.115
5. Jackson Versteegen (Savage Motorcycles, Michelin) 1:19:17.487

JG

It was the McDonald show here in JG, as the 2022 Champion screamed across the WR450F test. After five Sprints, McDonald comfortably claimed first place with a total time of 57:50.093.

Not far behind McDonald and finishing Round 1 in second place, was Madi Simpson (Honda Ride Red, Fly Racing). With a total time of 59:13.372, Simpson is definitely one to watch as she continues to fight for that coveted top step.

Rounding out today’s podium was Mia Tongue, with a total time of 1:06:06.485.

2023 AORC Round 1 JG Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Danielle McDonald (Yamaha JGR Ballard’s Off Road Team) 57:50.093
2. Madi Simpson (Honda Ride Red, Fly Racing) 59:13.372
3. Mia Tongue (Coastal KTM, Amsoil) 1:06:06.485
4. Audrey Moller (Alltac) 1:11:28.388
5. Jade Chellas (KTM) 1:14:25.758

J3

It was nothing but cool running’s for Gear today, kicking off his 2023 season with the perfect result!

Gear finished six Sprints across the WR450F test with a total time of 53:57.943.

Behind Gear in second and third respectively, was Dylan McDonald (McDonald Racing) and Charlie Connolly (KTM). These two battled it out all day, working to keep anyone else out of the top three, whilst also fighting for silver. In the end, Connolly just couldn’t beat McDonald, with each finishing today’s racing with respective times of 56:01.607 and 57:35.657.

2023 AORC Round 1 J3 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Ollie Gear (Limestone Coast Newcastle, Yamaha) 53:57.943
2. Dylan McDonald (McDonald Racing) 56:01.607
3. Charlie Connolly (KTM) 57:35.657
4. Bradley Rayner (Gas Gas) 58:12.475
5. Cooper Boyd (Port Macquarie Motorcycles) 58:13.211

J2

Gilbertson absolutely smoked the competition today in J2, setting him up for a very exciting 2023 racing season! Finishing five laps on the WR450F test, Gilbertson clocked in a total time of 59:05.123.

Rounding out the first 2023 podium for J2 was Mitch Ford (Thrila Furnikation Rynopower Rivalnink) and Kai Austin (Gas Gas), with total respective times of 1:00:06.128 and 1:00:26.014. With mere seconds between them and the remaining members in the top five, we can comfortably expect a fierce competition in this class.

2023 AORC Round 1 J2 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Harry Gilbertson (Brandt John Deere, Sears Electrical) 59:05.123
2. Mitch Ford (Thrila Furnikation Rynopower Rivalnink) 1:00:06.128
3. Kai Austin (Gas Gas) 1:00:26.014
4. Ritchie Lawler (Carr Bros, CRS) 1:03:27.081
5. Harley Hutton (GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing) 1:03:27.151

J1

It was a very successful day for Huston, claiming the J1 win for Round 1 with more than a two-minute lead on his competition! With a total time of 30:58.296, Huston has earnt a comfortable first place win. Rounding out the podium today was Levi Rossi (Paint Tech SA, Nicolai Farms) and Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus), in second and third respectively after five Sprints.

2023 AORC Round 1 J1 Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Darcy Huston (Citycoast Motorcycles, Holeshot graphics) 30:58.296
2. Levi Rossi (Paint Tech SA, Nicolai Farms) 33:52.583
3. Chase Weston (Tdub, ProCoat Aus) 34:19.722
4. Rusty Killick (MXstore, Fasthouse) 34:52.343
5. Zaidyn Meszaros (Mudgee Powersports, DMK Designs) 34:58.232

JJ

With just over a two-minute lead, Burchell took home the Round 1 JJ win with a total time of 40:16.413. Ryder Lambing (GasMoto, Monza Imports) finished today’s racing in second place, with a total time of 42:18.456. The final podium spot was won by Maxi Harris (Morgans Financial Port Macquarie), with a total time of 45:12.508.

2023 AORC Round 1 JJ Top 5 Provisional Results:

1. Ryder Burchell (McDonald’s Racing Team) 40:16.413
2. Ryder Lambing (GasMoto, Monza Imports) 42:18.456
3. Maxi Harris (Morgans Financial Port Macquarie) 45:12.508
4. Elijah Newton (BJ Engineering, Richies Fabrication) 45:35.677
5. Caylan Young (KTM) 51:19.551

We return back to Mendooran tomorrow, 26 March for Round 2, featuring another jampacked day of Sprints. To find out more about Round 2, please visit our website.

Words by Caitlin Hynes. Images by Troy Pears.