Ballard’s Yamaha Off road Enduro Team start the 2007 NSW Sprint Series with exceptional style.

   Gwandalan on the NSW Central Coast was the scene for the NSW Sprint Series rounds 1 and 2. As in the past, this course and the local weather conditions proved to be very challenging for both rider and machine alike. Due to the lay out and roughness of the track it was seen to be a clear advantage to be on a 450 or big bore 2 strokes. The Ballard’s Yamaha Team had 6 riders entered for the two days, covering the three Pro classes, Expert E2, Expert Over 35’s and Masters Over 45’s.

   Round 1 on Saturday was run on an extremely dusty and dry circuit in stiffening conditions, thus testing all the riders’ mental and physical fitness. Combined with the fierce competition the boys from Ballard’s held there own, and proved yet again that they are a force to be reckoned with.

   In the Pro E1 class Chris Hollis was riding with the ease and style we have all come to expect. Piloting his Yamaha WR250F to a class win, beating Ben Kearney by 13.46 sec and Damien smith by 84.06 sec over the five races completed. Chris is obviously in peak physical fitness after rigorously training during the Christmas break and is reaping the rewards for his efforts. Combined with an excellent bike like his Yamaha 250F, his competition will defiantly have to push hard to stay with him in rounds to come.

   Pro E2 was contested by the latest member of the Ballard’s Yamaha family, Shannon Lewry. Riding his Yamaha 450F Shannon is showing a lot of promise and is on the verge of winning this extremely tough class. He finished a respectable second to a flying brad Willis croft who was only 60.90 sec after the 5 races. Third places was taken out by Blake Hore also on a Yamaha some 18 sec behind Shannon.

   Pro E3 was contended by Jarrod bewley on his big bore 250YZ and Adam lees. Jarrod is going from strength to strength and was masterful to watch as he destroys both track and his fellow competitors. Although there were only two riders in his class Jarrod attacked every inch of the tough course in a bid to claim the converted #1 outright position for the round. Jarrod won the class some 103.31 ahead of lees.

   Josh Ballard riding his first season in the Expert E2 class is looking really impressive and super fast considering this is his HSC year and studying hard. He has settled onto his new Yamaha 450F with ease and is pulling some exceptional times beating a lot of more seasoned and experienced riders. Josh finished a very respectable second to Myles Bowen only trailing by 106.64sec at the end of the day.

   Jason Cater dominated the Expert 0ver 35 class and is riding his Yamaha 250F with precision and smoothness that only experience can deliver. He won his class with style beating Tony Smidt by 192.56 and Jeff Curley by a staggering 573.89. Well done Jason

   Geoff Ballard yet again proved that when it comes to riding he is truly exceptional. Considering the pressure of running such a large outfit he still manages to smoke his class no matter the conditions. Mounted on the Yamaha 450F Geoff is riding with the enthusiasm of a man half his years. Geoff was a staggering 421.56sec ahead of David rose and 573.89sec in front of Kerry Jenkins.

   Outright placing showed exactly how well the team is performing. First place was won by brad Willis croft only a mere 0.19 sec ahead of the flying Jarrod Bewley. Third place was taken out by Hollis only 59.45 behind Willis croft and Lewry a further 1.45sec behind for fourth place.

   Round 2 on Sunday not only was a changed track but also the totally opposite track conditions after the heavens opening up overnight. The course went from dust to slush much to the rider’s relief. The cooler temperature was also appreciated by all at the meeting.

   Pro E1 was won by Ben Kearney, followed by Damien smith +41.91sec and Chris Hollis a very respectable third+72.25sec behind Kearney.

   Pro E2 was again won by Willis croft followed by Blake Hore +107.41sec and Darren Lloyd +111.93sec and Ballard's Yamaha rider Shannon Lewry running fourth +121.70

   Pro E3 was again won by Jarrod Bewley on his monster 2 stroke beating Adam lees by 88.77sec.

   Expert E2 was won by Myles Bowen over josh Ballard +97.07sec and dean Kearney third some 47 sec behind Josh.

   Jason cater and Geoff Ballard again both won their classes convincingly as they had done on Saturday.

Outright for Sunday was once again won by brad Willis croft with Bewley running second+6.36sec followed by Ben Kearney. Chris Hollis finished a well deserved eighth place outright +121.26 and Shannon Lewry ninth +121.70.

   All of riders attributed a lot of their success to the excellent Yamaha bikes they have been given to ride and to the Ballard’s off road team and supporters.

Taken from: Yamaha Motors Australia