AORC's 2017 Title Favourites

This weekend is decider time for the competitors of the 2017 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, as this Saturday marks the beginning of the final two rounds – Rounds 11 & 12 at Omeo.

The battle for this year’s AORC class championships has been hotly contested and several riders have placed themselves in commanding positions in the lead up to the final two rounds. Consistency has certainly been key this year and several riders have dominated their class.

Yamaha’s Hot Title favourite – E1

Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing Team’s Wil Ruprecht is on the precipice of winning a title straight out of the blocks in his debut year in E1. Ruprecht has been back and forth with Snap Fitness Yamaha Team’s Scott Keegan but the situation turned in Ruprecht’s favour back at Kyogle (Rounds 9 & 10). This weekend there are still 50 points up for grabs, however, if Ruprecht can keep the consistency we have seen throughout this season so far, he will be crossing the finishing line as E1 champion. Currently, 33 points separate the two heading into the final rounds. Ruprecht shared; “We’ve really got the Yamaha dialled in at the moment, we just have to maintain our consistency and secure that title. Our form has been really strong recently. Unfortunately, Scott (Keegan) suffered a retirement late in the day on Saturday back at Kyogle, which has hurt his title fight. It’s not a way you want to win a championship and it’s unfair for Scott but you have to take these results when they come your way.”

The Undefeated Master – E2

KTM Enduro Team’s Daniel Milner has proven to be an unstoppable force towards a dominating title win in the class. Milner has yet to lose in AORC in 2017 and if he maintains his blistering form, Milner will be tough to beat. Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing Team’s Josh Green would love nothing more to stop the Milner onslaught and will be eager to get on the winner’s board before the season is out. Milner stated; “I’m now 28 points up, so I’ve just got to finish well in the next rounds and I’ll have a championship. But it’s never over ‘til the fat lady sings’ so I’ll go home and keep doing my work and see what happens.”

Down to the Wire – E3

The battle between Husqvarna Enduro Team’s Lachy Stanford and KTM Enduro Team’s Lyndon Snodgrass has been one of the most epic and tightly contested all year. Although results have seemed to have swayed towards Stanford in recent races, Snodgrass is not a force to be underestimated. Under the influence of Team Manager Glenn Kearney, Snodgrass has experience and expertise in his corner. Stanford will be confident in the fact that Omeo’s terrains will likely suit Stanford’s smooth style. Six points separate Stanford and Snodgrass. Stanford explained; “We came into the Kyogle rounds tied on points with (Lyndon) and we’ve managed to come out on top. Apparently Omeo will feature plenty of grass track terrain so hopefully that will work in my favour. We’ve got to just keep tinkering away at the championship. The objective is to collect as many wins as possible for the last two rounds.”

**Battle of the Rising Stars – Transmoto EJ**

The Transmoto EJ class will be focused on the battle between Fraser Higlett and Michael Driscoll for the title. As it stands, only two points separate the pair heading into the final rounds! There is plenty of intrigues to see whether motocross star turned enduro rider Driscoll can win in his first full season of AORC, or will the established Higlett remain cool and collected to become champion? It’s all to play for! Higlett shared; “It’s very close between Michael Driscoll and I, we’re constantly battling back and forth for the championship lead. If I drop off even slightly, Michael will make me pay for my mistakes. It’s great to have the rivalry there and I’m glad to be on top of the standings heading into the last race.

As the season decider draws closer with only two days until the riders hit the track, Omeo will be packed with anticipation for Rounds 11 & 12 of the 2017 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship.

Yamaha AORC Championship Standings

E1

1. Wil RUPRECHT – 189
2. Scott KEEGAN – 156
3. Brad HARDAKER – 138
4. Baylee DAVIES – 133
5. Jack SIMPSON – 131
6. Justin PARKER – 80
7. Kristian SPRENGER – 56
8. Andrew JANKE – 55
9. Tom JONES – 40
10. Geoff BRAICO – 34

E2

1. Daniel Milner – 200
2. Josh GREEN – 172
3. Riley GRAHAM -159
4. Stefan GRANQUIST – 140
5. Broc GRABHAM – 98
6. Andrew WILKSCH – 97
7. Kaleb TREASURE – 68
8. Matt MURRY – 53
9. Daniel COLLINS – 41
10. Cameron BINSTEAD – 38

E3

1. Lachlan STANFORD – 191
2. Lyndon SNODGRASS – 185
3. Tom MASON – 158
4. Jesse LAWTON – 101
5. Beau RALSTON – 36
6. Kane HALL – 36
7 . Joel JAMES – 34
8 .Lincoln BIRD – 33
9. Hayden CONROY – 32
10. Troy SHERIDAN – 30

EJ

1. Fraser HIGLETT – 185
2. Michael DRISCOLL – 183
3. Nic TOMLINSON – 158
4. Dalton JOHNSON – 138
5. Lachlan ALLAN – 99
6. Jonte REYNDERS – 97
7. Seton BROOMHALL – 96
8. Jacob PEACOCK – 93
9. Jack MATTHEWS – 58
10. Harry TEED – 53