Ballard’s Yamaha team Dominate the Podium at Rounds 3 and4 of the Yamaha Australian Offroad Championships in Mogo

   The Yamaha Australian Offroad Series held rounds 3 and 4 at Lyndon Heffernans picturesque property outside of Mogo in NSW.  The format for the two rounds was a two day Enduro with points allocated separately for both days. Chris Cater and Heffo set an exceptional course with two excellent special tests that thrilled the riders and spectators, along with 3 loops of techo single tracks to keep the riders honest. The weather was magnificent as were the special test track conditions, with great grass tracks and loamy soil for all to enjoy.

    Chris Hollis riding in the Pro E1 (WR 250 F) class demonstrated yet again why he is the one to beat. Not only did he win his class, but was the quickest on every test on day one. At the end of the round Chris won by 32.2 sec over Ben Grabham and Ben Kearney a further 7.3sec behind that. With such a dominate performance in his class, it was little wonder to see Chris placed 3^rd outright behind AJ Roberts and Brad Williscroft.

     Shannon Lewry in the Pro E2 (WR 450 F) had another solid hit out and is really starting to come to terms with his new bike. Shannon finished an impressive 4th behind AJ Roberts, Brad Williscroft and Blake Hore. This placed Shannon 11^th outright for the day.

     Jarrod Bewley contesting the Pro E3 blitzed the field again. Jarrod had worked extremely hard for the two weeks prior to this event on testing and bike set up, it was very obvious indeed. Jarrod was quickest on all tests except one and finished 22.7 sec ahead of Kirk Hutton with Jehi Willis 4.4sec further back. This ride placed Jarrod 4^th outright for the day, which was a super effort.

     Josh Ballard Expert E2 (WR450 F) yet again showed why he is one rider to watch in coming years with another gutsy ride. Josh won the Expert E2 class over Myles Bowen by 4.2sec and Sean Miller 5.9sec further back. Josh and Myles traded blows all day with Josh finishing the victor.

    Jason Cater is riding better than ever. Competing in the Expert Vets (WR 250 F) once again battled with Stuart Bennett and Garry Dukes. Jason beat Bennett by 8.2sec for the class win and Dukes by 91.8sec. Jason finished 1^st outright in the Expert Class on day one.

     Alison Parker (WR 250 F) as always demonstrated her dominance in the Women’s Class winning by 252.7sec over Leigh Lalonde and 2224.1sec quicker than Kellie Jenkins. This result placed Alison 27^th outright in the Clubman Class out of 77 riders.    

      Geoff Ballard (WR 450 F) easily won the Masters Class 138.5sec over Steven Clarke and 190.2 sec ahead of Kerry Jenkins.

     Day two Pro E1 class was yet again chasing a flying Chris Hollis. Chris, as on day one won his class beating Ben Grabham by 39.3sec and Ben Kearney by 74.0sec. This gave Hollis another Outright podium for the weekend, an impressive 3^{rd place} overall.

     ProE2, day two saw Shannon Lewry ride himself up the leader board to finish with a stout 3^rd place in his class. Shannon was marginally beaten by Brad Williscroft and AJ Roberts winning the class. It was great for Shannon to get on the podium after working so hard. This result placed Shannon 6^th outright for the day.

     Jarrod Bewley in the ProE3 is defiantly the man to beat and had another terrific ride. Jarrod beat Jehi Willis by 19.4sec and Kirk Hutton by 42.9sec. This placed Jarrod 2^nd Outright on the day, completing an excellent weekend all round.

    Expert E2 rider Josh Ballard ran a close 2^nd to Myles Bowen on day 2 and was 39.0sec ahead of Sean Milner. This was an awesome result for Josh and placed him 5^th Outright in the Expert Class.

    Jason Cater was on it again as on day 1. This time only just being beaten by Stuart Bennett for 1^st place but beating Jason Salopayevs by 86.4sec. Jason finished day 2 in 2nd  place in the Expert Outright competition.

     Day 2 in the Women’s competition was again taken out again by the in form Alison Parker. Alison finished in a very respectable 32^nd in the outright clubman placings.

    Geoff Ballard yet again dominated the Masters Class, commenting that his job has been made easier than ever aboard the 07 WRF. He absolutely loves that new 450!

     By all accounts the team had a very successful weekend of racing with every rider making it to the podium. The next event for the Ballard’s Yamaha Enduro Team will be after the Easter break. We will be heading down to Ballarat in Vic for Rounds 5 and 6 of the AORS on April 22^nd and 23^rd.

Taken from: Yamaha Motors Australia