The 2023 Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships (AORC) are set to go with rounds one and two locked-in at Mendooran, NSW on March 25-26, with Yamaha Racing out in full force. After a hugely successful year in 2022 and amassing a handful of championships, Yamaha teams and riders will be out to make 2023 even better and are primed to go.
The 2023 Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships (AORC) are set to go with rounds one and two locked-in at Mendooran, NSW on March 25-26.
ShopYamaha Off Road The ShopYamaha Off Road Racing team are back and headlined with two of the best off road riders in the business with Kyron Bacon and Josh Green at the controls. Bacon stunned the off-road world in 2022 has he went from possible round contender to outright championship dominator. The 20-year-old Tasmanian took all before him in 2022 as he won the AORC and the A4DE in both class and Outright in a record-breaking year. Bacon is back for 2023 and on board his trusty 250F and raring to go.
Bacon stunned the off-road world in 2022 has he went from possible round contender to outright championship dominator.
Alongside Bacon is the old man of Australian off Road, Josh Green. Green, now in his 12th year with Yamaha continues to shine with 2022 one of his most successful seasons despite being on the shady side of 30. Green loves racing and continues to work hard at his craft to stay ahead of the pack. Mounted on the all-new YZ450F, Green is excited with the new bike and cant wait to put it to the test at Mendooran.
“The off season has gone really smoothly for us and we are ready to go for the opening weekend of racing,” states team manager, AJ Roberts. “We have made a few tweaks to Kyron’s bike to cater for his development as a rider while Josh is loving the YZ450F and it’s proving to be as good in the bush as it is on the motocross and supercross tracks.”
Alongside Bacon is the old man of Australian off Road, Josh Green. Green, now in his 12th year with Yamaha continues to shine with 2022 one of his most successful seasons despite being on the shady side of 30.
“The guys and fit, the team is organised and Yamaha continue to support off road in Australia so an exciting year lays ahead for us,” Roberts ends.
Yamaha JGR Ballards Off Road Multi-time world off road champion, Jess Gardiner will again lead her team into battle in the 2023 Australian Off Road Championship. Gardiner remains the Queen of off-road racing in Australia with a list of national championships longer than your arm and has assembled her riders and sponsors again for 2023.
Multi-time world off road champ, Jess Gardiner will lead her team into battle in the 2023 Australian Off Road Championship.
Gardiner will contest the Women’s division and aim for her seventh national crown, while Jeremy Carpentier will move to the E2 class on the WR450F. Danielle Macdonald will fly the flag in the junior girls division as well as contest selected motocross events during the year.
“Last year we came into line with Yamaha and that has been rewarding for both of us as the team is now involved in many coaching and riding activities with Yamaha Motor Australia. It’s a great partnership to have and one that we cherish.
Gardiner will contest the Women’s division, while Jeremy Carpentier will move to the E2 class on the WR450F. Danielle Macdonald will fly the flag in the junior girls division as well as contest selected motocross events throughout the year.
“Our season has already been busy not just building and preparing the new bikes for the team but also our coaching and camping events have been successful and we have already had several so far in 2023. We have more planned for the year and hope to continue promote what a great sport we have and encourage plenty of new riders to give it a try,” Gardiner explains.
Yamaha bLU cRU Support New for 2023 with Yamaha is the addition of the bLU cRU support program. The team has been established to assist off road riders in making the transition from junior riders to the pro level and now Yamaha has something in place to continue to elevate riders.
Wil Dennett.
The riders for 2023 are Jett Yarnold (Super Moto New England) and Wil Dennett (Lismore Motorcycles) in the EJ (Under 19) class as well as Cooper Sheidow (WSB Distributors) in the E1 division. The new arrangement offers additional support for up-and-coming riders and allows them to take the next step in their careers.
Cooper Sheidow (WSB Distributors) will be racing in the E1 division of the AORC for the 2023 season.
GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing 2023 will mark the introduction of Yamaha Junior Racing into off road. YJR started nationally in 2005 but in motocross but will now branch out to include off road and provide development roll with riders. Queenslander Harley Hutton will fly the flag in the J2 class on his YZ85 while Marcus Nowland will do like wise in the J3 category on his YZ125.
Harley Hutton.
Marcus Nowland.
Both the bLU cRU Support and the Yamaha Junior Racing teams will work closely with AJ Roberts and his ShopYamaha team for advice and technical support at national events and believe this will fast track rider development.
The opening round will be a fast, furious and somewhat sandy affair as over 200 riders converge on Mendooran, near Dubbo for the season starter.
Following fatigue in his right forearm, which occurred during the recent MotoGP tests at Portimao, Aleix Espargaró underwent a series of tests between Tuesday and Wednesday at the Dexeus University Clinic in Barcelona. The checks revealed a fibrosis in the muscle for which a surgical operation was needed.
Aleix Espargaró underwent a series of tests between Tuesday and Wednesday at the Dexeus University Clinic in Barcelona. The checks revealed a fibrosis in the muscle for which a surgical operation was needed.
The cleaning operation, carried out yesterday, was largely successful and will allow the rider to recover in view of the first race of the season, scheduled for the weekend of the 24th-26th March.
Dr. XAVIER MIR – MD PhD “Aleix Espargaró underwent surgery on his right forearm, due to a fibrotic retraction of the forearm fascia with compression of the median nerve in the proximal third of the forearm. An antebrachial fasciotomy and an arch release of the pronator teres muscle was performed using microsurgical techniques. He will start his recovery as soon as tomorrow”.
One of CDR Yamaha’s most successful riders, Jay Marmont, will be the special guest of the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team at round two of the ProMX at Appin this weekend. The appearance of Marmont at the Appin round is the first of many celebrations CDR Yamaha will undertake for 2023 as they celebrate their 30th year of operation.
One of CDR Yamaha’s successful riders, Jay Marmont, will be the special guest of the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team at round two of the ProMX at Appin this weekend.
Marmont, who lives in Wollongong and not far from the Appin circuit, raced for the CDR Yamaha team for five seasons, from 2008 to 2011 and then again in 2014. In that time, he amassed an incredible four MX National championship and one Australian Supercross Championship with the team and on the YZ450F. In that four-year reign of MX National championships from 2008 to 2011, Marmont was nearly unstoppable as he raced with passion and determination that defines a very special athlete.
“It will be great to have Jay as a guest of the team for the Appin round,” offers team owner, Craig Dack. “Over the five years of working together not only Jay and the team bonded closely but also his family and I’m sure we all have many happy memories of our time and success together. Jay developed not only into a sensational rider, but also a champion of our sport. While we have kept in contact over the years, it will be our honour to have him and his family as the special guests of CDR and celebrate our 30th anniversary with him,”
Marmont, who lives in Wollongong and not far from the Appin circuit, raced for the CDR Yamaha team for five seasons, from 2008 to 2011 and then again in 2014.
For Marmont, the years with CDR Yamaha were the most memorable of his career and established a resume that will take some beating in the future. He joined the sports legends of Stephen Gall and Craig Dack as the only four-time MX National champions after clinching the championship in 2011.
“It was exciting to get the call from Craig and be invited out to the Appin round of the ProMX as a guest of CDR. The team has a long and proud history and I’m grateful that I was able to play my part in making the team as successful as it has been,” said Marmont.
Action starts at 8am on Sunday March 19. Marmont will be at the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team truck throughout the day signing posters and also have his 2014 YZ450F on display.
“I raced for plenty of teams, both here and in the US, and CDR Yamaha was the best in terms of people, professionalism and dedication. That four-year run of winning the MX Nationals is something I cherish and look back on fondly and its cool that it’s still recognised today. I’m looking forward to spending the day back with the motocross community and seeing a heap of fans support the riders. I’m friends with both Luke Clout and Aaron Tanti, so I will also be cheering them on and hoping to see both up front and carrying on the CDR Yamaha success.”
Action starts at 8am on Sunday March 19. Jay will be at the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team truck throughout the day signing posters and will have his 2014 YZ450F on display.
Unable to shift gears and clearly in pain, Bayliss is now doing all he can to get back as soon as possible.
With many Australians showcasing their skills abroad in a range of disciplines both on-track and off-road, our monthly column focuses on how they’re faring in 2022 battling it out with the best in their chosen classes against the best riders in the world. Words: Ed Stratmann.
Miller is back! We saw him dressed in orange at the official MotoGP tests, the back will take some more getting used to.
Jack Miller – MotoGP
Having made the high-profile switch to Red Bull KTM for 2023 and with excitement high that Jack Miller can achieve big things this year, the fact his latest test didn’t go so well in Sepang has tempered expectations. With Miller only able to record a pair of 16ths and a 19th in the fastest times charts, this doesn’t bode well for the crusade ahead.
“The expectation was quite high. We missed something, to be completely honest and fair. In the next few weeks we have to work to get the best potential from what we tested,” said team manager Francesco Guidotti. “But I’m not trying to find excuses. We are working hard to give our riders the best possible [bike]. The expectation was a little bit too high, maybe. I don’t know.”
“We sort of hit a wall a little bit, so just understanding the geometry and getting myself more comfortable.” said Miller.
Miller then shared his typically honest thoughts on how things went, expressing: “We sort of hit a wall a little bit, so just understanding the geometry and getting myself more comfortable. We made a step right before lunch and were pretty happy with that. We’re making another step just to understand what is the limit and to basically gauge where we’re at in terms of balance.”
“We can see on the data that I’m struggling quite a bit compared to the other boys mid corner and just getting things to rotate and to get it off the corner. It’s all about going through these motions and trying to understand the bike and to adapt with it the best we can. No one likes seeing themselves in the bottom half of the timing screen. But that’s not the main focus for us. The focus is to try and build this thing up and get it somewhere reasonable for Portimao.”
The popular #43 did also importantly mention improvements are still being made all the time and he’s excited about the process of making further strides in their quest to ensure the bike is as competitive as possible come the season opener.
The popular #43 did also importantly mention improvements are still being made all the time and he’s excited about the process of making further strides in their quest to ensure the bike is as competitive as possible come the season opener.
Remy Gardner – World Superbike
Even though Remy Gardner’s World Superbike debut on home soil at Phillip Island will be remembered mostly for him accidentally taking out teammate Dominique Aegerter in the Superpole race, he still enjoyed a decent weekend under the GRT Yamaha awning.
Remy showcased his impressive skills and speed, his race finishes of 12th and 10th respectively were admirable to begin his season in light of the circumstances.
Showcasing his impressive skills and speed, his race finishes of 12th and 10th respectively were admirable to begin his season in light of the circumstances.
“It’s been a complicated weekend, not just for the races, but because of the weather. We didn’t expect to have a wet race in Race One and I struggled a lot in the wet yesterday,” he explained. “I was hoping for dry [weather] and we had a good start to the Superpole Race and I felt quite strong to be honest. But then I made a mistake in turn four and went in too deep and made contact with Domi.”
Despite the contact with his teammate, a lot of good can be said about Remy’s WorldSBK debut.
“First of all, I would like to apologise to Domi and the Team for the Tissot Superpole Race crash. I’m really sorry, we both could have made a good result. Anyway, we have to be happy with our pace; and we were fighting for the podium positions, which was beyond our expectations before this weekend. Starting from so far back on the grid in Race Two with a long lap penalty didn’t help, but that’s a lesson for the future.”
Gardner will now shift his attention to the second round in Indonesia, where he’ll be keen to enjoy a drama-free second stop on the calendar.
Oli Bayliss was third on the opening day of the Official Test but had some back luck during race weekend.
Oli Bayliss – World Supersport
Oli Bayliss endured a lively day in World Supersport to start his season on the home confines of Phillip Island. Grabbing sixteenth in race one, this wasn’t what he had in mind as a gamble on using slick tyres didn’t come to fruition courtesy of the rain returning. But there was a marked improvement in the second stanza, with him well and truly in the mix for a top five finish before ultimately dropping to tenth in the red flagged race when another rider suffering a mechanical issue got in his way.
“It’s a pity how the weekend went results-wise, because I felt good on the bike and we had the potential to do much better. We worked well together and showed good speed, but unfortunately the two races were quite eventful and surely not favourable to us,” the Team D34G Racing talent said. “We have to keep working hard in the same direction and try to capitalise in Indonesia in less than a week.”
The inordinately gifted Aussie phenom keeps on flexing his muscles Stateside, as he looks set to add another 250 title to his list of honours before moving up to the 450 when AMA Pro Motocross begins in May. Photo: HRC Global.
Jett Lawrence – AMA Supercross
The inordinately gifted Aussie phenom keeps on flexing his muscles Stateside, as he looks set to add another 250 title to his list of honours before moving up to the 450 when AMA Pro Motocross begins in May. Currently sitting atop the 250SX West standings by 20 points over R.J Hampshire having won three of the four main events and bagged second in the other, it’ll take something special to stop the 19-year-old grabbing the title.
Clearly a cut above the competition and riding with a maturity and skill that belies his tender years, the Team Honda HRC star continues to take the sport by storm.
Jett has been absolutely blitzing the competition in the 250 class, hopefully he can follow it up on the 450. Photo: HRC.
A massive hit on and off the track, it’s easy to see why the likeable youngster is such a drawcard already. Despite all the noise surrounding him, it’s important to note that his dad and trainer, the legendary Johnny O’Mara, keep him on the right path needed to fulfil his immense potential.
Hunter Lawrence – AMA Supercross
Hunter Lawrence has been in similarly excellent form, as he’s following his brother’s lead impressively on his way to winning two of the three 250SX East rounds. Producing the goods and well placed to win his first championship in America, Hunter’s leading the title chase by 11 points from Max Anstie.
Hunter Lawrence has been in similarly excellent form, as he’s following his brother’s lead impressively on his way to winning two of the three 250SX East rounds.
Taking his game to another level in 2023 and riding with tremendous confidence, composure and speed, it’s been a joy to watch him strut his stuff, with his last corner win in Tampa especially catching the eye.
Wilson Todd – AMA Supercross
Making his AMA Supercross debut at the start of the year, Wilson Todd deserves enormous credit for putting in all the hard work to reach this milestone. Although things haven’t gone entirely to plan for the talented pilot, there’s vitally been signs of his undeniable speed.
Racing in the 250SX West division, crashes, bad luck and injury have frustratingly scuppered his progress despite his pace in qualifying and practice underlining he has what it takes to mix it inside the top 10. While a torn ligament in his thumb hindered him, Todd’s focus now shifts to the Australian ProMX series, where the reigning MX2 Champion will be back in action on the 250 for the start of the season this weekend in Wonthaggi.
Matt Moss – AMA Supercross
Securing a fill-in ride with the BarX Suzuki squad to race 250SX West, experienced veteran Matt Moss showed his class in his first race for the team in Oakland.
Securing a fill-in ride with the BarX Suzuki squad to race 250SX West, experienced veteran Matt Moss showed his class in his first race for the team in Oakland. Photo Via Matt Moss Facebook.
Kicking off his day in fine style by bagging the sixth fastest time in combined qualifying before transferring comfortably to the main by virtue of his third place heat race finish, this was an exceptional way to stamp his mark. Disappointingly, he couldn’t carry his momentum into the main event, for an early crash that injured his thumb ended his night due to him unable to grip the bike well enough.
“I was feeling really good all night, and finished third in my heat. Got an okay start (in the main). I was sitting in fourth when I landed awkwardly on my thumb. I could barely hang on. Disappointing, but overall happy with my speed, a few things to work on. Looking forward to being back behind the gates at the next round. Thanks for the support legends,” he insisted.
Head to Kawasaki head office and meet the Empire Kawasaki Motocross Race Team. Get up close and personal with the skilled riders before they head to round 2 of the Australia ProMX Championship at Appin. Fans will have the chance to meet the riders Friday (March 17th) between 12:30pm-1:30pm!
Fans will have the chance to meet and greet the Empire Kawasaki riders Friday (March 17th) between 12:30pm-1:30pm!
Haruki Yokoyama (MX2 rider and all-Japan motocross champion) and Cambell Williams (MX3 contender), the team owner and mechanics will share their experiences and insights into the world of racing. Hear firsthand stories about their plan to take it to the top in 2023, the challenges they will face, and the triumphs they have already achieved.
Cambell Williams.
Haruki Yokoyama.
Learn about the upcoming racing at Appin, NSW, the preparation behind the KX250 bikes, and the strategies that go into winning a race. Head down to Kawasaki Australia HQ!
Key Info
Location: Kawasaki Head Office, Unit Q, 10-16 South Street, Rydalmere, NSW, 2116
Want the look of custom paint, but can’t afford the price? Well the new Bell Moto-9S Flex Edge graphic created by Southern California artist Tagger Designs gives you the look without hurting your wallet! Check it out, Cassons have them in stock now!
The new Bell Moto-9S Flex Edge graphic created by Southern California artist Tagger Designs gives you the look without hurting your wallet!
Back by popular demand is the redesigned Moto-9s Flex—the refinement of a long-standing industry leader. This strong, lightweight helmet carries over Bell’s time-tested traditions of performance and advanced safety standards. Packed inside are three material layers that protect at different impact speeds and redirect rotational energy.
Bell say protection like this is what gives their motocross and off-road racers the confidence to go big. You still get the unbeatable ventilation of the flexible, segmented liner that adapts to the shape of your head for a custom feel. Top off this no-compromise design with Bell’s Tri-Matrix shell, delivering all the strength of carbon fibre in a more budget-friendly package for value that’s unheard of.
Cassons have you sorted with a whole range of cool colourways and sizes to keep you safe out on the dirt without breaking the bank.
Cassons have you sorted with a whole range of cool colourways and sizes to keep you safe out on the dirt without breaking the bank. Contact them here for availability information!
The Serco Yamaha team enters the 2023 season armed with two experienced and professional contenders and a determination to win the ProMX MX2 championship. A change in rider and personnel behind the scenes has the team refreshed and reinvigorated for the new season!
The Serco Yamaha team enters the 2023 season armed with two experienced and professional contenders and a determination to win the ProMX MX2 championship.
Rhys Budd, second in the 2022 MX2 championship, will join Jesse Dobson on the Serco Yamaha team and make for a strong combination as the opening round of the 2023 championship draws closer. While Budd has moved to a new team, he still remains on Yamaha and the YZ250F, so the transition has been an easy one for him.
Budd has landed on the MX2 championship podium for the past two seasons and has been on the YZ250F for three years and feels he is primed and ready to make the next step in his riding and go after that elusive number 1 plate in the MX2 division.
Rhys Budd, second in the 2022 MX2 championship, will join Jesse Dobson on the Serco Yamaha team and make for a strong combination as the opening round of the 2023 championship draws closer.
“Each year I have improved my result in the championship and also improved my speed and fitness, so the next goal is to take it to the top step and get that number 1 plate for both myself and Serco Yamaha. The transition to the Serco Yamaha team has been smooth and working with Paul Teasedale has been good. He has been super supportive and encouraging and already we have a great relationship. The bike feels super strong, we have done plenty of testing to ensure its right for me and now is the time to get after it on the track and notch up some race and round wins.”
“Its less than 10 days to round one at Wonthaggi and we are ready to go. The track there is always tough but I think I have improved my riding in sand and have set my goals high to get the season started on the right foot,” Budd said.
Back for his third year on the team is Jesse Dobson. Coming to the team in 2020 to fill in for an injured rider, Dobson cashed in on that opportunity and remains with the Serco Yamaha team three seasons on.
Back for his third year on the team is Jesse Dobson. Coming to the team in 2020 to fill in for an injured rider, Dobson cashed in on that opportunity and remains with the Serco Yamaha team three seasons on. Finishing second in the 2021 championship, his 2022 campaigned was dogged with injury and ended in him getting shoulder surgery in the weeks after the final round at Coolum last season. Dobson has been back on the bike for a couple of months now and working his way back to his best form with no pain in his troublesome shoulder.
“My shoulder was pretty beat up at the end of last years’ ProMX championship and I realistically didn’t have any other option but to have surgery on it and get it sorted. A shoulder construction takes in a four-month recovery process and as I had time, I was extra cautious with it to make sure I am 100% when the season starts. My riding and fitness is coming along and I feel improvements each week. I would like to have got in a couple of local races prior to round one just to get behind the gate and get used to race intensity but I just needed to keep preparing and think my experience will take over once I’m on the start line at Wonthaggi.”
Dobson has been back on the bike for a couple of months now and working his way back to his best form with no pain in his troublesome shoulder.
“I like the Wonthaggi track as it has a lot of similarities to my home track at Coolum with the dirt and the surface, so my plan is to get off to a good, solid start, log a good result and continue to build into the championship as the rounds progress,” Dobson ends.
With over 20 years in the game, team manager Gavin Eales, is excited to go racing in 2023 and looks forward to a great season from his troops.
The opening round of the ProMX Championship takes place at the Wonthaggi circuit in Victoria on March 5.
“We have new mechanic on board this year with Matt coming in to replace Ben who took up an offer to world for a team on the MXGP tour. It is a great opportunity for Ben, and we wish him well. Matt has blended in well and his knowledge has already shown benefit within the team.”
“Rhys has come through the Yamaha program and already had a good friendship with Jesse and the team. Both riders have a huge work ethic and are determined to make 2023 their best season yet and with a strong preseason behind us, we head to round one in good shape and ready to go racing.”
Falcon Racing’s new FIM Endurance World Championship rider, Dylan Buisson, won’t be short of fitness when the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans opens the 2023 season next month (13-16 April). Check out how the team are feeling ahead of the 2023 season…
Falcon Racing’s new FIM Endurance World Championship rider, Dylan Buisson, won’t be short of fitness when the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans opens the 2023 season next month (13-16 April).
Like all EWC riders, Buisson places a huge focus on physical fitness although having tackled a 78-kilometre through-the-night running race between Saint-Étienne and Lyon means he’ll be even fitter than most, as he continues to prepare for the three-round FIM Endurance World Cup for Superstock-specification bikes running on Dunlop tyres.
As well as a rider at the top of his physical powers, Falcon Racing can also count on a rider with podium pedigree in the EWC. In 2013, Buisson was part of the Team R2CL entry that finished second overall in the 24 Heures Motos. Riding for TATI Team Beaujolais in 2017, Buisson claimed Superstock category honours at Le Mans.
The 34-year-old will have nine starts in the 24 Heures Motos to his name when he joins forces with new Falcon Racing team-mates and fellow Frenchmen David Chevalier and Loïc Millet for the start of their 2023 EWC campaign.
The 34-year-old will have nine starts in the 24 Heures Motos to his name when he joins forces with new Falcon Racing team-mates and fellow Frenchmen David Chevalier and Loïc Millet for the start of their 2023 EWC campaign.
“He has a lot of endurance experience and that’s what we were looking for,” said Falcon Racing Team Manager Mickaël Le Dévéhat. “We want him to be a new engine for the team. He works on his physical condition throughout the season. This means that our relays will be more regular.”
With five and two starts in the EWC-counting 24 Heures Motos respectively, Chevalier, 30, and Millet, 20, won’t be short of experience of the 4.185-kilometre Bugatti Circuit.
Buisson said: “It’s with great pleasure that I announce my participation in the 2023 Endurance World Championship with Falcon Racing on the #121 Yamaha R1. Thanks to the team manager and team for trusting me. I can’t wait to start the adventure on this beautiful machine.”
With five and two starts in the EWC-counting 24 Heures Motos respectively, Chevalier, 30, and Millet, 20, won’t be short of experience of the 4.185-kilometre Bugatti Circuit and the traditional EWC season opener either.
Falcon Racing will start the 2023 EWC season on the back of an extensive testing programme, which will include the Le Mans Pre-Test from 28-29 March.
“For 2023 we want to be in the top five and achieve regular podiums, that would be a good reward,” said Le Dévéhat, whose team receives support from Yamaha France. “Certainly, we are progressing, but so is the level. We face teams that have been around longer than us. We mustn’t forget that.”
Falcon Racing was heading to seventh place in the EWC Superstock category at Le Mans last season when engine failure struck in the final quarter of an hour. With the #121 Yamaha unable to cross the finishing line, Falcon Racing was therefore not classified in the final results.
“It was our first big mechanical problem, because we had always reached the finish since 2016,” Le Dévéhat said. “It was a blow to morale but the whole team has reacted well because everyone has re-motivated themselves so that it does not happen again. This winter, we implemented a new working method which should bear fruit.”
Penrite has renewed its significant partnership with the ProMX Championship for the third consecutive year as the Naming Rights partner for the 2023 season. Make sure you tune into this year’s championship as plenty of big Aussie names are making their return following an injury plagued 2022…
Penrite has renewed its significant partnership with the ProMX Championship for the third consecutive year as the Naming Rights partner for the 2023 season.
The partnership secures the ongoing development of motocross in Australia, with Penrite being a world-renowned and proudly Australian owned oil manufacturer with a direct connection to the sport through their products and sponsorship activations.
The 2023 Penrite ProMX Championship will take place across eight venues nationwide and feature handlebar-to-handlebar action in the MX1, MX2, MX3 classes as well as other classes at select events such as MXW (Womens), VETS (Veterans), MX85 WJMX Qualifier Cup and YZ65 Cup.
The partnership secures the ongoing development of motocross in Australia, with Penrite being a world-renowned and proudly Australian owned oil manufacturer.
Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle;“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Penrite as the Naming Rights title partner for ProMX Championship in 2023. We are excited to continue to work alongside ProMX to help elevate and showcase the best motocross talent Australia has to offer.”
Jarrod Harding, Brand Manager, Penrite Oil; “We are proud to continue our partnership with ProMX. We believe that this partnership demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Australian motocross community and supporting the growth of the sport. Penrite has a long and proud history supporting Australian motocross, and this ongoing partnership is a further significant investment into the sport for our 100% Australian-owned company.”
Yamaha Racing kicked off the 2023 Australian Superbike Championship in fine style, posting class wins in the 600cc and 300cc Supersport divisions as well as a strong showing in the premier Superbike class.
The new season came to life over the weekend as the Phillip Island circuit hosted the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship in conjunction with the season opener for the WorldSBK Championship. A good sized crowd turned up over the three day event and in typical Phillip Island fashion, the elements provided plenty of challenges.
Superbike 1000cc The YRT duo of Mike Jones and Cru Halliday lead the charge in the Superbike class on their R1’s, but they were well supported by Arthur Sissis and Bryan Staring who finished sixth and eighth. Sissis overcame some technical issues during the weekend to finish with 11-5-7 results on his Unitech Yamaha machine. The final two races saw Sissis in the thick of the action as positions four through eighth engaged in race long duals.
Arthur Sissis overcame some technical issues during the weekend to finish with 11-5-7 results on his Unitech Yamaha.
For Staring it was his first competitive hit out on his new MotoGo Yamaha R1 and the weekend showed there is still plenty of potential to be unpacked from the Staring / MotoGo combination. His qualifying pace was sensational, and his only major blemish of the weekend came when he elected to go for the wet tyres on a drying track in race one. He finished with 12-7-6 results and believes there is plenty of room for improvement as he adjusts to his new ride.
Supersport 600cc If there was one class that provide more than its fair share of action over the weekend, it was the Supersport 600cc category. There were crashes, near misses, rain, sun, animals, more near misses and off-track excursions and that was just race two.
A fall in race two in the treacherous conditions meant Harrison Voight was unable to finish and had to settle for second place on the day.
Through it all, Ty Lynch on his Yamaha R6 proved the most consistent taking the round win with 8-1-5 results. Lynch kept a cool head across the three races, proving consistency was the key ingredient to his success on the weekend.
Behind Lynch was Harrison Voight who was clearly the fastest rider in the class racking up pole position and two race wins, but a fall in race two in the treacherous conditions meant he was unable to finish and had to settle for second place on the day. Third was Jack Passfield, another rider who put together three solid races who finished just ahead of the 2022 champ, John Lytras. The top ten riders were all mounted on the Yamaha R6.
Jai Russo did just enough to scrape through for the round win with 58 points, just ahead of Brendon Demmery on 57.
Supersport 300cc The points were tight at the top of the 300cc division with eight points separating the top six riders. Jai Russo did just enough to scrape through for the round win with 58 points, just ahead of Brendon Demmery on 57. Henry Snell slotted into third with 53 points showing consistency in a variety of conditions. The Yamaha R3 filled the top six positions and were nine of the top ten bikes in class.
The ASBK now moves to Sydney Motorsport Park on March 25-26.
