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National Motorcycle Insurance, for all Aussie motorcyclists

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National Motorcycle Insurance, a new entrant in Australia’s insurance sector, is now offering specialised coverage options for both on-road and off-road motorcycle enthusiasts across the country. The company aims to provide comprehensive and tailored insurance solutions, and include ATV owners…


National Motorcycle Insurance’s local team of expert underwriters delivers market-leading insurance products and services throughout Australia and New Zealand. Their offerings are designed to be competitive and straightforward, catering to daily riders, weekend enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

The company emphasises understanding the unique bond between riders and their bikes, offering peace of mind through specialised insurance solutions.

NMI provides coverage for both fully registered road bikes and non-registered or recreationally registered off-road bikes. This includes comprehensive insurance options for road bikes, enduro bikes, road trail bikes, dirt bikes, and ATVs. Riders can obtain quotes and purchase policies directly through the company’s online platform, streamlining the insurance process (click on any of the banner ads).



As the motorcycle community in Australia continues to grow, National Motorcycle Insurance’s entry into the market offers riders a new option for specialised coverage, aiming to meet the evolving needs of motorcyclists nationwide.

In addition to offering new policies, National Motorcycle Insurance facilitates easy online renewals for existing customers. The company also provides a straightforward claims process, ensuring that riders can quickly and efficiently receive assistance when needed.

Customer service is accessible via phone at 1300 960 437 or through email at info@nationalmotorcycleinsurance.com.au, with operating hours from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm AEST.


Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders dominates 2025 Dakar Rally

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Screenshot

Australia’s Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders is victorious in the Dakar Rally of 2025, taking a near nine-minute victory in a display of total dominance. Sanders won five of the 12 gruelling stages, where competitors raced over nearly 8,000kms of tough terrain in the remote areas of Saudi Arabia. Press: MA.

His speed and skills were showcased from the outset, winning the prologue, the opening stage and the ultra-tough 48-hour Chrono stage to get the early upper hand that put him in a great position early on. Further wins in stages four and seven on his KTM 450 Rally followed shortly after, and put in solid performances in the remaining stages to ensure he is just the second rider in the history of the Dakar Rally to lead from start to finish, echoeing Marc Coma’s efforts in 2009.

The final quarter of the 16-day event did, however, have some challenges thrown his way, including a tough run in stage 11 where his overall lead was slashed by seven and a half minutes, but Sanders held his nerve and steadied for the 61km final dash to the flag, with a sixth-place finish enough to clinch overall victory. With the win coming in Sanders’ fifth attempt of the rally, he is also the second Australian to win the iconic event following Toby Price’s efforts in 2016 and 2018.

‘Chucky’ Sanders was dominant in the Dakar Rally, leading from start to finish “It’s a massive accomplishment from myself and the team after a tough year, and I can’t thank everyone enough for the support,” he said. “It’s been a long journey, and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone “Now it’s time to kick back and relax after a long two weeks.”

Tosha Schareina (Monster Energy Honda, +8:50) and Adrien Van Beveren (Monster Energy Honda, +14:46) were second and third respectively.

It was a mixed bag for the remaining Australians competing in Dakar, with Toby Hederics (BAS World KTM) putting in a formidable performance to finish 19th overall in the bike classification, while Andrew Houlihan (Nomadas Adventure KTM) withdrew following stage eight.

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “That’s the 2025 Dakar done! I’m super happy for Chucky and the rest of the guys, the win is so well deserved. To be the second person ever to lead from the first day to the end is something really special. What we have achieved in a year is unique and we are very proud. I’m happy for the team, for KTM, and we are going to celebrate for sure!”

Provisional Standings – 2025 Dakar Rally (after 12 of 12 stages)

  1. Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 53:08:52
  2. Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 53:17:42 +8:50
  3. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 53:23:38 +14:46
  4. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 53:31:08 +22:16
  5. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 53:38:42 +29:50

Aussies Racing Abroad | January 2025

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Aussies Racing Abroad January 2025 | With many Australians showcasing their skills abroad in a range of disciplines both on-track and off-road, our latest column focuses on how they’re faring battling it out with the best in their chosen classes and on their off season plans… Words: Ed Stratmann

On-Track
Jack Miller – MotoGP

Ready for a fresh start after a frustrating 2024 aboard his Red Bull KTM, where he finished 14th in the MotoGP standings, Jack Miller’s move to Pramac Yamaha offers him a perfect chance to go again. Having struggled to find comfort on the bike and been forced to ride around many issues that he and the team couldn’t find solutions for, it’ll be intriguing seeing how he fares with his new team.

Already gaining some valuable insight and information from the recent test on the Yamaha, he’ll be hoping for a smooth adaptation in his quest to get back in the mix. Seeing as Yamaha know they need major improvements if they’re to compete with the likes of Ducati and Aprilia, much positivity could be extracted from the fact they’re ready to test their new V4 engine. Given the Iwata marque has hired a host of talented and experienced engineers to ensure they can close the gap, watching their progress will be fascinating.


Read our previous Aussies Racing Abroad columns here


Courtesy of Miller’s vast knowledge and time working with many teams and manufacturers, he’ll back himself to adjust and get the bike at a competitive level sooner rather than later. All eyes will now shift to the first tests in 2025, where Miller, and his fellow Yamaha pilots, will get their first chance to try out this potentially game-changing package.

Off-Road
Luke Clout – World Supercross

Racing the World Supercross Championship with Rick Ware Racing, Luke Clout had a mixed WSX campaign that was full of highs and lows. Getting the ball rolling with a challenging opener in Canada, where, despite qualifying fourth fastest, crashes and bad luck ensured he had a tough night at the office on a very difficult track.

The well-travelled star then enjoyed an excellent home round in Perth, as he secured fourth and fifth overall finishes in the double-header. While things didn’t go entirely to plan to close out his WSX exertions in Abu Dhabi, with him, and many more, enduring issues with the tight start, he still clinched 11th overall to power him into sixth in the final SX1 standings.

“WSX done, ended the championship P6 overall,” recalled Clout. “Last night’s first turn into a wall jump got me every race, so we won’t go into that. Massive thank you to Rick Ware Racing, I had an awesome time with you guys. And to Aaron Clout for the hard work as always! Let’s do it again. Looking forward to some time off now and doing some more cool things in 2025!”

Matt Moss – World Supercross

Despite Matt Moss’ WSX campaign being littered with hurdles, the popular legend still produced many glimpses of his class. Teaming up with superstar Eli Tomac, who went on to reign supreme in the elite WSX class, under the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy awning, the veteran relished the opportunity to test himself against some of the world’s best. Holding his own and getting some excellent starts, Moss eventually bagged 10th in the SX1 standings, as untimely mistakes and adversity prevented him from finishing any higher.

“That’s a wrap on 2024 SX! Definitely not the season I wanted lots of crashes and just not myself. I would like to thank everyone involved with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team for the season. Special thanks to Troy Moynihan – you’re an amazing mechanic and person. Sorry I didn’t deliver, but I’m glad I had you by my side. Now to spend time with the family and sit down and see what’s next but for now thank you to friends and family and all my supporters,” Moss reflected.

Ryder Kingsford – World Supercross

Young speedster Ryder Kingsford flew the flag for the Aussie 250 contingent impressively in WSX by recording some brilliant results on the big stage. Heading in full of determination and chomping at the bit to showcase his skills on this platform, observing him handle the step up in quality with aplomb was a testament to all his hard work and talent.

“WSX has an international grid of very talented riders, and I’m excited to put myself up against some of the best in the world. With third in the ProMX SX2 series, 2024 has been good for me so far and so much of our sport is based on form and momentum. I feel like momentum is with me, but I know I can’t take anything for granted. I just want to maximise every opportunity, do the best that I can on track, and see what that leads to,” Kingsford commented ahead of the series beginning.

Rising to the occasion strikingly on his CDR 250, there was plenty to get excited about when he grabbed a superb second in the first SX2 final in Canada on his way to securing seventh overall. Next on the agenda were the final rounds in Perth and Abu Dhabi, where his highlights were a ninth and an eighth overall to propel him to eighth in the SX2 championship.

Kaleb Barham – World Supercross

After banking a solid eighth in the first round in Vancouver, rotten luck struck Kaleb Barham in Perth, as he suffered a devastating broken arm. Ending his season right there, just when he was gaining momentum, was a real blow to the likeable ace, especially seeing how much he was loving his time racing with the CDR squad.

“Sucks to be making this post, but unfortunately I had a crash at WSX resulting in a dislocated wrist with a couple of breaks. Obviously I am gutted, but as we all know, this is how the sport goes sometimes,” Barham explained.

“Thankfully the Race Safe crew had me sorted until I was able to fly home and now I’m getting ready for surgery with Dr. Steve Andrews to let the body heal. Thank you to the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team, Yamaha Motor Australia and the Yamalube Yamaha team for this opportunity. Met some people I have looked up to my whole life, raced some of the baddest dudes on the planet and made some cool mates along the way.” Barham has now turned his attention to his recovery in preparation for 2025.

Gus Riordan – GNCC

It’s been another successful season for Australian Gus Riordan, who flexed his muscles yet again in America by becoming the 2024 U.S Sprint Enduro Pro 2 Champion for the second consecutive campaign. The man who also represented Australia at the ISDE and raced a round of EnduroGP in Wales will be gunning for more glory in 2025 too, with him contesting the GNCC XC2 Class and debuting in the National Enduro NE Pro2 Class.

“This year was good and we’re swapping it up for next season, switching to the National Enduro Series. I’m looking forward to that and GNCC as well, so hopefully we can get some wins and challenge for those titles,” Riordan stated.

The FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers hotshot is currently enjoying some time back home in Australia before heading Stateside again to get dialled in ahead of a busy 2025.

Josh Strang – GNCC

Heavy hitter in the American off-road scene for nearly two decades, former XC1 champion Josh Strang has been named East Coast Off-Road Team Manager for the Liqui Moly Beta Race Team. Not only will Strang manage the day-to-day operations for the team, but he’ll also compete in the XC1 class on a Beta 480 RR, as he’ll be eager to add to his 87 podiums and 24 wins in the category.

“I’m excited to join the Beta Off-Road Team as a racer and East Coast Manager. I have been looking for an opportunity to move into a position like this for some time and I believe I can learn and do a good job representing the Beta brand in our community. I’m also very excited to enter into my 19th season of GNCC racing,” insisted Strang.

Stoked at the challenge ahead and set to be a huge asset to the Beta squad, both he and team are fully focused on making 2025 a terrific one, where his expertise, knowledge and experience will be a real game-changer.

Lyndon Snodgrass – GNCC

Although former XC2 GNCC Champion Lyndon Snodgrass has confirmed he’s without a ride for next season, he promisingly expects to still be lining up. Leaving Team Babbitt’s after five years and many good times, it’ll be a case of watch this space to see what he figures out for 2025. Positively, he finished his time with the squad by claiming a podium at the finale at Ironman to wrap up what was an up and down campaign for the Aussie.

“Five years with Team Babbitt’s has come to an end. I want to thank the whole crew for their efforts. We achieved a lot over the years, including the 2022 GNCC XC2 Championship, which was a goal of mine from the moment I stepped foot in the U.S. It’s hard to accept that I don’t have a ride for the 2025 season, but I’m not going to give in yet. I have another goal to chase. I’ll see you all at round one,” he posted.

Editor’s Note – If you would like someone included in Aussie’s Racing Abroad, contact us via our contact page


Yamaha WR250F | 2025 Model Full Test

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The 2025 Yamaha WR250F features an extensive list of changes. Boasting a slimmer, lighter chassis and a lower centre of gravity for a start. The changes are adopted from the newest  YZ250F motocrosser that Dan tested, but modified for enduro competition. Check it out… Test: Dan Thomerson Pics: iKapture

2025 Yamaha WR250F, slimmer, lighter, more powerful than the previous model.
2025 Yamaha WR250F, slimmer, lighter, more powerful than the previous model and $16,799 Ride Away…

With a short one hour flight from Melbourne to Canberra, I arrived at the Vibe Hotel in time for the 2025 Yamaha WR250F presentation. That is where I got to lay eyes on the brand new WR250F for the first time. After the presentation we had a bite to eat while discussing some of the features of the WR with the team, before heading to bed. After testing the latest YZ250F, I was keen to try the WR.

The following day was a nice early start as we had a good couple hours drive up to Lyndon Heffernan’s Academy of Off Road Riding property at Bateman’s Bay to put the WR250F through its paces. Arriving at Heffo’s property, we were met with a fleet of 13 brand new 2025 yamaha WR205F’s just waiting for us to throw our legs over and have some fun.

The 2025 Yamaha WR250F Australian launch was held at The Academy of Off Road Riding.
The 2025 Yamaha WR250F Australian launch was held at The Academy of Off Road Riding.

Tech Highlights

Starting off with the updates to the chassis, the new bilateral beam chassis is identical to that of the YZ250F but with new enduro tuned engine mounts, making the WR250F more agile and able handle the different terrains you would find on any enduro course with ease. New aluminium footpeg brackets not only save weight but are also 10mm lower, creating a lower centre of gravity to optimise handling and open up the rider position.

The YZ250F frame is used but the engine mounts are different to offer a more enduro suitable stiffness.
The YZ250F frame is used but the engine mounts are different to offer a more enduro suitable stiffness.

The WR250F comes with a slimmer body thanks to its new slim 7.4 litre fuel tank and its slim radiator shrouds, which offer a comfier rider position and allow more for movement towards the front of the bike, making the WR250F easier to throw around in those tight and twisty sections out in the bush. The new seat is flatter with rounded edges, which increases the degree of freedom for the rider, allowing better movement and comfort during the ride.

The rear guard is redesigned stronger and with a hand held section giving you the perfect spot to pick the rear of the WR250F up if you’re in a sticky situation on a trail.

Fitted with revised 48mm KYB front suspension with 300mm of travel the forks are identical to the YZ250F suspension but tuned for enduro. There is also with a tool-free compression damping adjustment knob on the top of the fork for quick and easy adjustment to suit any terrain.

A revised KYB shock pairs with the front-end of the WR250F for precise control over the varied terrains that you will encounter. This also assists in increasing the traction on the front and rear for a more planted feel and to optimise handling. The 2025 WR250F also has a new lightweight rear wheel with a three-spoke lacing pattern and longer spokes for more flex, with a blue anodized 18 inch Excel rim laced to a 262G lighter reduced width hub.

The upgraded Power Tuner app now comes with a user-friendly interface, with intuitive tuning using a scroll bar to adjust between smooth and aggressive options. Traction control now has three levels of adjustment, there’s also a built in lap timer function and suspension and power tuning set-up advice.

The new multifunction mode switch comes with integrated engine stop and mode selection switch, making it easy to switch between two customisable power modes whilst out on your ride. The second power mode when the blue light controls traction control, making it easier to switch between modes with or without traction control during a ride.

The engine definitely wasn’t left untouched. Revised with a new reduced friction camchain paired with new camshaft sprockets, new camchain guide and new camchain guide stopper all helping to reduce the load and prolong the life of the engine.


The airbox and filter system has been modified allowing more airflow with air coming in from different directions. A curved filter element and optimised case increasing the volume of air flow by 30 per cent. Inside the airbox under the filter, the WR250F has a new funnel shaped design to create a smooth and longer air draw to increase torque.

2025 Yamaha WR250F.
2025 Yamaha WR250F.

The WR250F comes with a model specific ECU with optimised fuel and ignition settings. The ECU maps are similar to the YZ250F yet made to suit enduro competition riding and various terrains. Other components changed for light weight include the sub-frame, lightweight throttle cable, a new compact bar pad and a new shorter muffler.

2025 Yamaha WR250F.
2025 Yamaha WR250F.

The ride

After being told the WR250F offers more power while being lighter and with a lower centre of gravity, creating a more agile bike, I was eager to put the WR250F through its paces. And as soon as I sat on the WR250F it was clear how slim it is compared to previous models. Heffo’s property was the perfect place to test out the WR250F, with a motocross track, a linked enduro loop, and a flat track all surrounded by an uncountable amount of enduro trails leading in every direction!

"As soon as I sat on the WR250F it was clear how slim it is compared to previous models"...
“As soon as I sat on the WR250F it was clear how slim it is compared to previous models”…

After starting the WR250F my first thought was that it is much quieter than anticipated due to its new shorter muffler. At first this put a doubt in my mind, to which I am glad the WR250F changed very quickly. As I twisted the throttle I realised that a quieter exhaust doesn’t mean a less powerful bike.


The 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear disc are paired with Nissin calipers, providing a strong and even braking power that is easy to control…


After a couple laps warming up on the flat track to familiarise myself with the WR250F it was time to open up the throttle and see what the 2025 WR250F has to offer. I was not disappointed, with plenty of torque and smooth linear power deliverance paired with the new slim body, made attacking the flat track feel as if I was on a motocross bike, the WR handling the soft loamy corners with ease and putting the power to the ground effortlessly on the straights.

"The WR handling the soft loamy corners with ease and putting the power to the ground effortlessly on the straights"...
“The WR handling the soft loamy corners with ease and putting the power to the ground effortlessly on the straights”…

The 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear disc are paired with Nissin calipers, providing a strong and even braking power that is easy to control whether you need to come to a quick stop or to wash off a little bit of speed before entering a corner.

After a few laps on the flat track we headed to a small river crossing, where I really noticed the lower centre of gravity. This made the WR250F easy to control through the rough and rocky uneven terrains.

2025 Yamaha WR250F has a lower centre of gravity, which Dan noticed in the rocky river crossings.

The WR250F comes with a cable operated clutch. Going through the rocky terrains I noticed the clutch engagement point felt a little off for my riding style, to which the cable made it easy to simply adjust on the fly to change the feel and suit my riding style with ease.


Although there is a larger preference of the hydraulic clutch over a cable, the WR250F’s cable clutch definitely holds its own feeling very light and smooth throughout the entire ride. The smooth and light clutch paired with easy to operate shift cam and six-speed gearbox made changing gears a breeze.

2025 Yamaha WR250F has a cable clutch, which initially Dan found was not quite on point until some easy adjustment.

I was able to really put the clutch and gearbox to the test on Heffo’s property on the many hills of various terrains we tackled throughout the day. The 2025 WR250F has plenty of torque and down low power allowing you to ride in a taller gear even uphill under load with minimal clutch slips. Being a 450 rider myself I was very impressed as normally on a 250 I find myself jumping through the gears.


Being a 450 rider myself I was very impressed as normally on a 250 I find myself jumping through the gears…


The KYB front and rear suspension worked hand in hand with the chassis and engine of the WR250F allowing me to tackle anything thrown at me throughout the day. With the easy to adjust compression damper on the forks I was able to tune the forks to suit the terrain in front of me. This also came in handy on our long trail ride at the end of the day. As I started to get a little fatigued, I simply turned down the compression by a couple of clicks making the forks a little softer and less intense to provide a smoother ride.

2025 Yamaha WR250F

Unfortunately I didn’t change any of the maps using the Power Tuner app but I did swap through the two standard maps that come stock on the WR250F. The maps that are equipped suited the terrains perfectly. Giving you the option to switch between traction control on with map two and traction control off with map one. I had fun trying out both in the wet and dry sections on the property, finding I was able to tackle any terrain without hesitation.

2025 Yamaha WR250F.

After having lunch we set out on a trail ride for a couple of hours, during which we tackled many different terrains consisting of rock beds, river crossings, long and tall hills and some single trail twisty sections. The 2025 WR250F tackled all of these obstacles with ease.

Overall, I enjoyed riding the 2025 Yamaha WR250F. With handling that felt like I was riding a motocross bike on a single trail enduro track. I did feel that the 2025 WR250F inspires confidence in its rider with its linear power delivery and wide range six-speed gearbox making it easy to tackle any obstacle in front of you.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider the WR250F will put a smile on your face with its user-friendly Power Tuner app, you can easily change the map settings to suit you and push your limits. The comfortable riding position, new slim feeling, lower centre of gravity, plus KYB front and rear suspension make riding effortless and will leave you with a smile on your face.


Read our in-depth tech look and see the video of the new WR250F here


2025 Yamaha WR250F Specifications 

Yamaha-Motor.com.au

Price: $16,799 Ride Away
Warranty: N/A
Colours: Team Yamaha Blue
Claimed Power: N/A
Claimed Torque: N/A
Wet Weight: 113kg
Fuel capacity: 7.4L
Fuel Consumption Claimed: N/A
Fuel Consumption (measured): N/A


Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, 77 x 53.6mm bore x stroke, 250cc, 13.8:1 compression, wet sump, EFI, electric start, TCI ignition, five-speed gearbox, cable clutch actuation


Chassis: Frame: Bilateral alloy beam frame.
Rake: N/A Trail: N/A
Suspension: Fully adjustable inverted KYB fork, 300mm travel (f) Fully adjustable KYB shock, 306mm travel. Aluminum swingarm (r).
Brakes: 270mm disc, Nissin two-piston caliper (f), 240mm disc, Nissin single piston caliper (r), Nissin master-cylinders.
Tyres: 90/90 – 21in Dunlop 54R EN91F (f), 140/80 – 18in Dunlop 70R EN91 (r).


Dimensions:
Seat height: 955mm
Ground clearance: 330mm
Overall width: 825mm
Overall Length: 2170mm
Overall height: 1265mm
Wheelbase: 1470mm


Instruments & Electronics: Digital ODO/Speedo instruments, Engine Mapping, Traction Control, Launch Control, Lap timer via Yamaha Power Tuner app.


Editor’s Note: If you are reading this article on any website other than BikeReview.com.au, please report it to BikeReview via our contact page, as it has been stolen or re-published without authority.


Max Stauffer joins three-time ASBK champion, Mike Jones, at YRT

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The Yamaha Racing Team (YRT) will have the perfect balance of youth and experience in 2025, when young gun, Max Stauffer, joins three-time ASBK champion, Mike Jones, behind the screens of the teams R1M’s. Press: Yamaha Racing Team Pics: Yamaha

Max Stauffer, a long time Yamaha rider who has progressed quickly through the ranks, will join the Yamaha team to contest the Superbike division at the Australian Superbike Championship in 2025. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2024 to finish fourth in the championship, highlighted with podium results at several rounds this season. With the support of the in-house Yamaha team, Stauffer expects the steep learning curve to continue and believes the 2025 season will be his best yet.

“Getting the phone call from John Redding offering me the YRT ride for next season was one of the best calls I have ever had,” Stauffer beams. “It’s been a goal of mine to get the opportunity to ride for YRT and now that I have been able to make that happen, I plan on making the most of the chance I have been given.

“Mike and Cru have showed the bike is clearly capable of winning at every track and the team has the knowledge and experience to help me become a better rider. I can’t wait to get to work with the team and start the next phase of my career.

“Thank you to all the people who have helped me get to this point and the years of hard work my family have put in. This is what we have all worked so hard for and now that I’m in this position, I won’t let anyone down,” Stauffer ends.

Back for his fourth year with YRT is Mike Jones. Since joining the Yamaha squad in 2022, Jones has been a model of consistency and professionalism on and off the track with results to prove he is one of Australia’s premier riders.

Jones was second in the 2024 championship, racking up round wins at Queensland Raceway and Morgan Park as well as race wins at One Raceway and The Bend as he took the championship chase all the way down to the final race of the season.

But coming so close to victory in 2024 is what is motivating him for 2025, and Jones already has plans in place for next season and is eager to continue his successful relationship with the team.

“My relationship with Yamaha and YRT has been very successful and one that we both wanted to continue,” Jones begins. “In the three years with the team we have finished first, fifth and second in the ASBK Championship and we’re focused on winning another one next year.

“YRT are a dedicated and professional team who I enjoy working with and I genuinely love the feeling of racing the Yamaha R1M. I’m also really excited to be teammates with Max next year. He is an exciting young talent, and we get along well off the track too. I think his youthful enthusiasm will be an added boost for us all and I look forward to another fun and successful racing season.”

Team owner, John Redding, anticipates both riders raising the bar again in 2025 and believes both are capable of outstanding results in the ASBK championship.

“Mike and Max will be a formidable team in 2025 as they are dedicated and determined riders willing to challenge themselves and the team to be better. Off the track they are also polite and well-respected riders among their peers and good ambassadors for the Yamaha brand.

Cru Halliday.

“I would also like to take the time to thank Cru Halliday for his passion and efforts for YRT over the past decade. Cru had been with us for a long time and YRT has played a big part in his career, and he will always be a part of the Yamaha / YRT family. We wish him well for the future and YRT will always be there to assist him if required.

“The team are already hard at work for the 2025 season and the pre-season will come around quickly so there is no time to rest,” Redding said.


New Book | Fabio Taglioni, Designer of Ducati Legends, Alan Cathcart

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Alan Cathcart’s latest book, Fabio Taglioni – Designer of Ducati Legends, is available exclusively through amazon.com for $54.40 AUD delivered, just in time for Christmas if you are quick!

For 30 years Fabio Taglioni was the Technical Director of Ducati, its Direttore Tecnico, and was responsible for all manner of engine designs ranging from single-cylinder lightweights to a massive V-four and especially the bevel drive 90-degree V-twins…

Smart was bolstered up as the poster rider for Ducati.
Paul Smart with Fabio Taglioni, 1972 Imola 200.

For the whole of his career, Taglioni held the racetrack to be the finest proving ground available for the development of successive families of Ducati models, as well as the demonstration of their worth. His bevel-drive V-twin models of the 1970s are proof positive of that reasoning. They were the mainstay of the Ducati range for the whole of that decade, and scored many memorable race successes, such as Paul Smart’s and Bruno Spaggiari’s dominant 1-2 victory in the prestigious 1972 Imola 200, and the now legendary Isle of Man TT comeback victory by the late, great Mike Hailwood in 1978. Personal recollections of their Ducati successes by both Hailwood and Smart provide chapters of this wide-ranging book.

Alan Cathcart has been and still is the owner and racer of several of those classic Desmo V-twins. He is also the author of several best-selling books on Ducati motorcycles, including the first-ever history of the marque in the English language, published in 1983. As such he became a personal friend and confidant of Ing. Taglioni over many years, so no-one is better qualified to pen the history of the greatest name in motorcycle design.

"Out on the Brands short circuit, it was a trip down memory lane, and I immediately appreciated the fine engineering that Ducati’s late design guru, Fabio Taglioni, invested in producing this motorcycle engine."
“Out on the Brands short circuit, it was a trip down memory lane, and I immediately appreciated the fine engineering that Ducati’s late design guru, Fabio Taglioni, invested in producing this motorcycle engine.”

Fabio Taglioni – Designer of Ducati Legends is a 232-page book with 200+ photographs, most of which are in full colour. They range from historic factory archive material to modern digital photography commissioned especially for this title.

Ducati’s history and Taglioni’s personal story are covered in-depth along with detailed information on his most famous machines. The story starts in immediate post-WW2 Italy, and the company’s entry into the motorcycle market with an engine designed to clip on to a bicycle, and provide transportation for the public in a country with an economy struggling to recover from its wartime devastation.

Two-valve cylinder head design with bevel-driven single overhead camshaft.
Two-valve cylinder-head design with bevel-driven single overhead camshaft.

From there it moved into proper motorcycles and by the mid-1950s was just one of many manufacturers of lightweight machines. Then along came Fabio Taglioni. In May 1954, he joined the company and within a year transformed its fortunes with his ground-breaking ‘Marianna’ Gran Sport 100 design. Its little 98cc single-cylinder engine was technically far ahead of its rivals, featuring overhead-camshaft valve operation driven from the crankshaft by a shaft and bevel gears. This was a configuration seen mainly on 350cc and 500cc racing machines of that era, and was previously unheard of in such a small engine as the Gran Sport 100. It immediately struck a chord with the racing-mad Italian public and, when it and its Gran Sport 125 bigger brother began winning long distance road races, and even excelled in Grand Prix competition via desmo derivatives, sales success soon followed.

Fabio Taglioni at work.

Taglioni’s genius had set Ducati on the path to the pre-eminence that Ducati enjoys in the world of Italian motorcycle production today, for these little GS ultra-lightweights were only the first steps on the journey. Their basic design parameters went on to be used in future successful single-cylinder motorcycles ranging from 250 to 450cc and even in the famous V-twins of the 1970s.

In the early 1980s, some 25 years after his first single-cylinder machines and a full decade after the initial appearance of his 90-degree V-twins, Taglioni updated and future-proofed the V-twins by changing the overhead-camshaft valve operation to a belt-driven system. First seen on the Pantah models, this took Ducati into the 21st century, and that basic architecture is still used on today’s twins.

All of Taglioni’s seminal designs are featured in-depth in this book: single-cylinder, parallel twins, V-twins and even a pair of experimental four-cylinder prototypes – the giant Apollo V-four of 1964, and the Bi-Pantah, his final such design which never made it into production.

Alan Cathcart was fortunate to enjoy unparalleled access to the Ducati factory, and to Ing. Fabio Taglioni on a personal basis, during the last decade of his tenure as Ducati Meccanica’s Direttore Tecnico. That is what makes this book so special.

Fabio Taglioni – Designer of Ducati Legends is available worldwide exclusively from Amazon priced at $54.40 AUD including delivery. An e-book version is also available costing £8.95 in the UK, and the appropriate local currency equivalent elsewhere.


Click here to order your copy from amazon.com.au


Model Update | 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V4, 189kg, 214hp naked!

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Ducati say the new Streetfighter V4 is the most beautiful, fastest and sophisticated Ducati superbike, stripped of its fairings, with a high and wide ‘bar, a weight of 189kg, a 214hp engine, biplane wings and an electronics package that is unique in the world. Press: Ducati

The derivation from the Panigale V4 is now more direct than ever: the engine is in the same configuration – the difference of two horsepower is due to differences in the intake – and so are the chassis and electronics. For the first time, Ducati has chosen to transfer the technology and performance of the Panigale V4 to a nakedbike without sparing anything, creating a bike that combines the best of both worlds. Track handling like a supersport bike, and road enjoyment like a true naked.


Read our BR Ducati Streetfighter reviews and articles here


Its impressive power/weight ratio of 1.13hp/Kg, obtained from a lighter and more powerful engine (+6 hp), Euro5+ homologated, combined with electronic and chassis developments such as DVO, Öhlins Smart EC3.0 suspension and the new Race eCBS braking system, make the Streetfighter V4 even more effective on the track.

At the same time, it is capable of guaranteeing great fun on the road with superior comfort in everyday riding. This is thanks to the wider calibration range guaranteed by the suspensions to a more rigorous chassis that gives the rider greater feeling and ease of riding and to a more contained exhaust noise but at the same time capable of giving great character to the bike.

Desmosedici Stradale engine

The Streetfighter V4 engine derives from that of the Panigale V4, with an even more direct link than the previous model. The Desmosedici Stradale is closely derived from that of the Ducati MotoGP bikes, with which it shares numerous technical solutions, starting with the architecture. It is a 90° V4 with desmodromic distribution, counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin Pulse timing, which gives the Streetfighter V4 a sound very similar to that of the Desmosedici GP.

The Desmosedici Stradale of the new Streetfighter V4 has had its distribution diagram revised compared to the version of the previous model, with cams with a different profile and a higher lift value. The alternator and oil pump are the same as those mounted on the Panigale V4 R, while the gear drum is the one used on the Superleggera V4. And for the first time, the Streetfighter V4 also features variable-length intake trumpets, with a value of 25mm in the short configuration and 80mm in the long one, thus simultaneously increasing maximum power and rideability.


Adopting the Ducati Performance by Akrapovic racing exhaust, the maximum power increases to 226hp…


The Desmosedici Stradale engine, Euro5+ homologated, delivers 214hp at 13,500rpm and a maximum torque of 12.2Kgm at 11,250rpm. Values ​​that can be higher in track configuration: by adopting the Ducati Performance by Akrapovič racing exhaust, the maximum power increases to 226hp. The Streetfighter V4 has never been so powerful.

Design

A completely new full-LED headlight enhances the aggressive face of the new Streetfighter, maintaining its iconic light signature. At the rear, the full-LED light cluster is functionally divided into two parts, generating that double C that characterizes the sportiest Ducatis.

The 16-litre tank, particularly narrow in fit and characterised by a very distinct shoulder, is reflected in the greater presence of the tail, more elongated towards the rear, with a shorter license plate holder and the passenger seat positioned lower than the 2024 Streetfighter V4. Both components have been designed to combine style and functionality, improving ergonomics in sportbike riding.

Finally, the forward-slanting biplane wings, a distinctive element of the Streetfighter V4 since its first version, could not be missing. Compared to the previous model, they are more effective (+17kg of downforce at 270km/h) and integrated into the line in a more refined and sophisticated way. The wings allow for a bike with very nimble chassis qualities but at the same time stable and rigorous at high speeds. Finally, the exhaust placed under the engine maintains the stylistic imprint of Ducati sportbikes, keeping the centre of gravity low and leaving a clear view of the new double-sided Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm, also visually lightened by the large exhaust openings on both sides.

Ergonomics

The riding position of the new Streetfighter V4 is derived from that of the Panigale V4, but has been defined with the dual objective of improving control of the vehicle and increasing comfort, especially for taller riders. The seat-tank unit, thanks to greater roominess, offers more freedom of longitudinal movement and makes it more natural to reach and maintain the aerodynamic posture. A deep recess in the upper part avoids interference with the helmet chin guard.

At the same time, the rear area of ​​the tank, combined with the side covers and the shape of the saddle, better supports the rider during braking, corner entry and cornering. The rider finds it easier to anchor himself with his knees to counteract deceleration and leaning out of the saddle once the bike is in a curve, thus reducing the effort on the arms and therefore fatigue.

Compared to the previous Streetfighter V4, the bend of the handlebar has been moved back, now closer to the rider by 10 mm, and the footpegs are lower and more forward, and positioned 10 mm further inward. This increases comfort for the rider without compromising ground clearance. Finally, the two conveyors located inside the side panels move hot air away from the rider’s legs.

MotoGP-derived chassis

The Streetfighter V4 has never been so close to the Panigale V4. Thanks to the very rigorous chassis of the new superbike from Borgo Panigale, on this model it was not necessary to lengthen the swingarm to give stability to the bike, but it was only sufficient to work on the front chassis dimensions (+0.5° steering angle, +1mm on the trail) to find the synthesis between agility and stability.

Deriving directly from the new Panigale, the chassis of the Streetfighter V4 is completely new. The Front Frame is therefore lighter (3.47kg in weight compared to the previous 4.42) and remodulated in stiffness compared to the previous model (-39% in lateral) to offer greater confidence when leaning and greater effectiveness in taking the apex and maintaining the trajectory.

Furthermore, the double-sided Ducati Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm improves traction when exiting corners and the rider’s feeling in acceleration, with a reduction in lateral stiffness (-43% compared to the single-sided swingarm of the previous model) and an overall lightening of the swingarm-forged rear wheel assembly equal to 2.9kg. On the Streetfighter V4 S, the forged aluminium alloy wheels with five tangential spokes, inspired by those of the DesmosediciGP, weigh only 2.95 and 4.15kg, respectively for the front and rear.

The third-generation electronically controlled Öhlins NIX/TTX suspension of the Streetfighter V4 S expands its adjustment spectrum, allowing the use of more comfortable calibrations for road use and more sustained and effective when riding between the kerbs of a circuit. At the same time, the increased speed of the hydraulic valves offers a more precise and accurate response in every riding situation. Furthermore, compared to the Panigale V4, the rear suspension link has been revised in progressivity to offer greater comfort on the road, which is further increased thanks to the “Cruise Detection” strategy. The latter softens the suspension when it detects a constant pace, such as on motorway transfers, significantly increasing rider comfort.

Like the new Ducati Panigale V4, the Streetfighter V4 also mounts Brembo Hypure™ front brake calipers. Lighter (-60 grams per pair compared to the Stylema of the previous model) and higher-performance, the Brembo Hypure™ calipers disperse the heat generated by braking more effectively, offering more consistent performance and greater effectiveness for riders in seeking out their limits.

The Race eCBS system with Cornering functionality, developed by Ducati in collaboration with Bosch, is able to activate and modulate the rear brake, limiting load transfers and improving the stability of the bike in the braking phase both in road and track use, even when the rider only applies the front brake. The system, which offers five levels against the three of the previous Streetfighter model, intervenes in a similar way to what is done by professional riders at the lowest levels, reserved for track use, while improving safety and stability at the higher levels, designed for road use.

Ducati Vehicle Observer

The Ducati Vehicle Observer, an algorithm developed by Ducati Corse in MotoGP, simulates the input of over 70 sensors, thus refining the electronic control strategies, which can achieve unprecedented effectiveness in series production. The precision of this functionality allows the controls to intervene in an almost predictive way to promptly accommodate the needs of the rider in the search for maximum performance.

The 2025 Streetfighter V4 is in fact equipped with a complete package of electronic controls: Ducati Traction Control DVO, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control DVO, Ducati Power Launch DVO, Engine Brake Control and Ducati Quick Shift 2.0. The DQS 2.0 system uses a strategy based solely on the gear drum angular position sensor, thus being able to use a gearshift rod without microswitches and therefore offering the rider a more direct feeling with reduced travel.

New 8:3 dashboard

The new 6.9” dashboard with 8:3 “aspect ratio” offers maximum readability and is perfectly integrated into the line of the new Streetfighter. The protective glass uses Optical Bonding technology, to guarantee optimal readability on a black background even during the day. The interface offers differentiated views (Infomode) for use on the road or on the track, combining completeness and readability of the information in the first case, or instead supporting the rider in the search for maximum performance in the second.

The dashboard dynamically changes its layout, moving the columns and redistributing the spaces, to offer maximum visibility to the functions that are being used at the moment, such as the navigator. Similarly, by selecting the Views mode, the left column gains space by moving the rev counter to the right and compressing the right column, to display the different functions available, including the TPMS, instantaneous torque and power delivered, lateral and longitudinal acceleration values, instantaneous lean angles and action on the throttle and brake.

The Road Infomode has very clean graphics, with great emphasis on the circular rev counter, placed in the centre and with the indication of the engaged gear inside. The left side of the screen is reserved for the settings, the navigator, if installed, the music player, the management of the smartphone and accessory heated grips, and the different functions available for each of these features. On the right side are the indications of speed, time, water temperature and cruise control, if enabled.

The Track mode, combined by default with the Race Riding Mode, is designed to give maximum emphasis to the most relevant information in circuit riding. The rev counter is positioned at the top of the screen, with a scale compressed up to 9,000 rpm, while in the centre the rider finds the indication of the gear engaged, and on the right the levels set for the electronic controls (modifiable via the right rocker) and their activation. In the left column we find the stopwatch, which by mounting the DDL accessory or via the GPS module is able to show lap time with different split times, lap number and the indication of the improvement in absolute terms or in reference to the session using the same colour codes – white, grey, orange, red – used in MotoGP.


Both models arrive Down Under in April
Streetfighter V4 AU Ride Away: $38,400
Streetfighter V4 S AU Ride Away: $43,100
Streetfighter V4 NZ Ride Away: $41,693
Streetfighter V4 S NZ Ride Away: $46,893


Oli Bayliss Will Ride For PTR Triumph Factory Racing

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Oli Bayliss

PTR Triumph Factory Racing complete their rider line up for next season with the signing of Oli Bayliss who will join British rider, Tom Booth-Amos, in the World Supersport Championship for 2025. It will be Oli’s fourth year in the championship, where he is now a regular top 10 finisher… Press: Triumph Aus


Check out our WorldSSP reports here


Born in Monaco to three-times World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss, the 21-year-old Australian began racing in the Australian Supersport series in 2017 at the tender age of 13. A couple of successful years in the Australian Superbike domestic series followed before he took a step further in his career and embarked on his first season in the World Supersport Championship in 2022 where he achieved a best result of sixth position.

Screenshot

The following year, Bayliss was hit with injury halfway through the year which halted his progress but in 2024 has gone on to establish himself as a top 10 runner in the Championship. The move to PTR Triumph Factory Racing heralds a new beginning for Bayliss as he changes marque for the first time and has already tested the Triumph Street Triple 765 at Jerez in October.

Oli has been showing promise in the WorldSSP class as he gets comfortable on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati.

Oli Bayliss, PTR Triumph Factory Racing:

“I am super excited to continue my World Supersport journey in 2025 with PTR Triumph. We had a test straight after the last round in Jerez and I felt good on the bike and gelled well with the team. I need to say a big thank you to Darrell Healey and GSE for their continuous support over the years and to Simon Buckmaster for giving me this opportunity. I think we can have a good season and achieve some goals.”



Simon Buckmaster, PTR Triumph Factory Racing Team Manager:

“It’s great news we have been able to finalise the deal with Oli Bayliss. He tested with us straight after the last round at Jerez this year and straight away he gelled with Tom, they know each other anyway and get on well. It’s fantastic for us as a team to have two strong riders working together data wise to help bring both of them on. We are really excited looking forward to 2025.”

Steve Sargent, Triumph Motorcycles Chief Product Officer:

“We are pleased to welcome Oli to the Triumph Factory team. He is an exciting young talent who we feel has the potential, alongside Tom to deliver a strong performance in 2025. We feel we have both the bike and the team to help get Oli the results that he deserves, and I am very much looking forward to watching what he and the team can achieve this season.”


Circus Life Christmas & New Year Offer | New Products

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Author Don Cox has a Christmas and New Year offer on the highly acclaimed book Circus Life – Australian Motorcycle Racers In Europe In The 1950s. The 480-page coffee-table book is on sale for for $85, including shipping within Australia, a saving of over $30 RRP…


Read the Introduction to the book and sample chapters here


Many of the great characters profiled in the book have left us, leaving their amazing stories of life and times on the famed Continental Circus. Tales of derring-do and occasional bastardry by dodgy promoters. Venues as diverse as the Isle of Man and long public-road circuits behind the Iron Curtain. For more info or to order, visit circuslifebook.com

What They Said About Circus Life:

“I congratulate you on a monumental work, truly superb, so detailed…I was particularly impressed by the chapter on the money side of things…the amount of money paid by Moto Guzzi to Ken Kavanagh was a real eye opener.”the late Mick Woollett, 1950s GP sidecar passenger, GP photo-journalist, motorcycle newspaper editor and book author, Hemel Hempstead, England

“What you have achieved with this book is quite incredible – stories of lives and racing that would have been lost if you had not had the determination to set it down on paper.”Dr Martin Raines, MotoGP statistician.

“This is without doubt the best motorcycle book ever, and I have a lot of them.”Kel Carruthers, Australia’s 1969 world champion.

“A very beautiful thing. It’s a proper work of diligent research; less common in bikes than in cars.”Mat Oxley, motorcycle journalist and author, London.


Herrick wins at Yamaha bLU cRU Aussie Flat Track Nationals

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Thomas Herrick has won the 2024 Yamaha Blu Cru Aussie Flat Track Nationals Pro 450 title in an absolute thriller, battling past Jarred Brook in the final race to claim the championship ring at Gunnedah’s Balcary Park Raceway over November 16-17. Press: AFTN Pics: RbMotoLens

International sensation Tom Drane took out both the Flat Track and TT rounds with some entertaining duels with Max Whale and Drane’s American Estenson Yamaha teammate Dallas Daniels. Kristian O’Donnell again dominated Pro Twins on the oval track to wrap up the championship in that class while in Junior Lites Cooper Archibald successfully defended his title, with Riley Nauta and Neiko Donovan taking round wins. In Junior 85’s Lockie Duggan held off a strong challenge from Levi Layton to pick up the championship by a mere four points as well as both round wins.

Herrick had to overcome a 21-point deficit to Jarred Brook over the two days of racing and said the win felt like a massive weight had been lifted off his shoulders. “The anticipation was killing me, it was a month of waiting to find out how this was going to end! That was the most dramatic finish but I had to go for it. Jarred and I clashed a few times on track but that only made me more motivated, I really felt like I wanted it more. On top of that it was so much fun racing with Tom (Drane), Max (Whale) and Dallas (Daniels), they race hard and are very crafty.

Round 5

The Balcary Park Raceway oil track at Gunnedah has been a happy hunting ground for Tom Drane (Yamaha) in the past, but it was his Estenson Yamaha teammate and visiting American star Dallas Daniels who drew first blood. Daniels, who grew up racing with plenty of oil track experience in the USA, claimed the opening race from Drane and fellow international Max Whale (KTM) before Drane went on a winning spree in the following three races.

Behind him, the tension was building with the podium often split between Thomas Herrick (Husqvarna) and Jarred Brook (Husqvarna) – the duo locked in battle for the championship. Whale also featured prominently on the podium, with ASBK Superbike regulars Cameron Dunker (Yamaha)and John Lytras (KTM) also posting solid top five performances.

In Junior Lites all four races were close and produced different winners in each, with Neiko Donovan (Husqvarna), Billy Ryan (KTM), Sam Drane (Yamaha) and Riley Nauta (KTM) all scoring a victory. In Junior 85’s Lockie Duggan (Husqvarna) blitzed the round with a clean sweep of victories while in Clubman Benny Thistleton (KTM) took the round with two race wins and two second places.

Matt Davies took his custom framed Kawasaki to all three race wins on the track – but as his machine is ineligible for championship points the official winners were the CF Moto mounted Kristian O’Donnell with two wins with the remaining victory awarded to Tyler O’Donnell, with Kristian picking up the overall points award for the year.

Pro 450
1 59 Tom Drane
2 18 Max Whale
3 14 Tom Herrick

Junior Lites
1 422 Riley Nauta
2 177 Neiko Donovan
3 52 Billy Ryan

Junior 85
1 10 Lockie Duggan
2 14 Lucy Heaton-New
3 5 Hugo Holmes

Clubman
1 113 Benny Thistleton
2 006 Brody Trembath
3 28 Neil Girdler

Pro Twins
1 Kristian O’Donnell
2 93 Kenny Angel
3 72 Shane Richards

Round 6

The championship decider on the TT track for Sunday threatened fireworks, with Jarred Brook (Husqvarna) and Thomas Herrick (Husqvarna) separated by only ten points. Tom Drane (Yamaha) dominated yet again and featured in some spirited battles with Max Whale (KTM) up front, however the championship deciding action was happening a little further back and hit boiling point when Herrick and Brook came together in race two.

Brook copped a penalty and finished ninth while Herrick surged to second. The pair collided again fighting for the same piece of dirt in race three, with Herrick again coming out on top. A strong finish in the red flag shortened decider sealed the title for Herrick, with Drane taking three wins with Whale grabbing one.

In Junior Lites Cooper Archibald (Husqvarna) successfully defended his title but wasn’t able to stop Neiko Donovan (Husqvarna) on the TT track who took three race wins with Sam Drane (Yamaha) scoring the other victory in race four.  In Junior 85’s Lockie Duggan (Husqvarna) also went on a winning streak, picking up the first three races with Levi Layton (KTM) picking up the final race of the weekend with Lucy Heaton-New an impressive third in the final standings. Duggan’s strong showing at Gunnedah saw him crowned champion for the year by a mere four points to Layton.

In Clubman Neil Girdler (Husqvarna) picked up three victories with Benny Thistleton (KTM) the other race winner and also champion for the year.


Pro 450
1 59 Tom Drane
2 18 Max Whale
3 32 Dallas Daniels

Junior Lites
1 177 Neiko Donovan
2 7 Sam Drane
3 422 Riley Nauta

Junior 85
1 10 Lockie Duggan
2 851 Levi Layton
3 27 Tahj Edwards

Clubman Open
1 28 Neil Girdler
2 113 Benny Thistleton
3 24 Andy Fisher

Aussie Flat Track Nationals Series Organiser Dave Maddock: “That was one of the best weekends of racing we have seen at the Aussie Flat Track Nationals, I feel like the standard is picking up year on year. To see the title go down to the wire between Tom Herrick and Jarred Brook had everyone on the edge of their seats – two tough racers that really put on a great show. Our international riders set a high standard throughout the weekend, Tom Drane stole the show and Max Whale really stuck it to him – but it shows our local talent are not too far away with guys like Cameron Dunker and John Lytras shining. It was a pleasure to have American Flat Track star Dallas Daniels join us for the weekend, the field was truly world class”.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the Junior 85s, that title also came down to the final race between Lockie Duggan and Levi Layton. Lucy Heaton-New was a real stand out this year, she was able to compete toe to toe with the boys and will be a great talent to watch in the future. Gunnedah never fails to produce good racing, particularly the TT track. You can see why the Gunnedah Motorcycle Club was awarded 2024 Club of the Year by Motorcycling NSW. Congratulations to all our title winners and thanks to all our competitors and clubs that made the year so successful. We will have some exciting announcements for 2025 in the near future.”


Full season results here