DOMINANT WONTHAGGI WEEKEND FOR YAMAHA RACING

DATE: 7-Aug-2006

Ballard's Yamaha Motorex

The factory-backed Ballard's Yamaha Motorex team has taken round honours in 4 of the 6 classes contested at this weekend's 4th round of the Yamaha Australian Off Road Series at Wonthaggi.

The motocross-style off road circuit proved a happy hunting ground for the leading outfit, with near perfect weather prior to the event setting the foundations for success.

Chris Hollis, Josh Ballard, Geoff Ballard and Alison Parker all emerged as leaders in their respective categories, while both Jarrad Bewley and Jason Cater delivered credible results during their weekend outing.

Hollis' weekend result compliments his championship lead in the Pro E1 class, and he was very pleased with his performance.

"All in all it was a very steady run, the track was a lot of fun and I don't think we could have asked for better weather before the weekend," said Hollis.

"I'm pleased to have maintained the championship lead and am really looking forward to bringing home the overall win at Gwandalan, but there is still a lot of racing to go and anything can happen."

Josh Ballard also made a strong championship statement with his round win, and has closed to within just 2 points of the leader in Clubman E1.

With a round to go and 25 points up for grabs, he remains a good chance to take class honours for the year.

Ballard summarised his weekend performance as fast and consistent, and enjoyed the challenge of the motocross-oriented track.

"It was an awesome weekend and I'm stoked to have won, this also brings me up to 2nd in Clubman E1 and with a good chance of winning the championship."

"The WR250F is a great bike and provides heaps of power and perfect handling when it is needed most, it really suited the track this weekend."

Team Principal and namesake Geoff Ballard was unstoppable in the Masters class, storming through the field with relative ease to take another round win.

Ballard has now dominated every round of the series and sits atop the table on a perfect 100 points. Ironically, the only other rider to also have recorded 100 points in the season is his teammate Alison Parker.

Both riders have demonstrated not only their immense skill aboard their Yamaha machines but also the performance and reliability of the WR range.

"The team has had an exceptional run this weekend with everyone pitching in with top results," said Ballard.

"Everyone seemed to enjoy the change of pace with another motocross style event and there was a pretty good crowd out there to make the weekend even more enjoyable."

"Personally I'm pleased to have taken another round win and really feel like I'm riding well at this stage, I'm very much looking forward to the final weekend back up our way."

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