With four rounds of the 2013 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship in the books, we decided today to do a Q&A on what we’ve learnt so far this year.

The AORC series is filled with local talent in 2013.

Is Toby Price the dominant force again? Yes
With three round wins from four, you can safely say that Price and his potent KTM 500 EXC is the combo to beat, however it looks as though he won’t have it all his own way in 2013.

Has Chris Hollis re-found his mojo? Yes
After a fun-filled off-season and back on a 450, Chris Hollis has won a round and finished second in the other three. Early indications are that he’s back to his best – much to the relief of KTM.

Will Milner win the Outright title on a 250? No
Never say never, but it will be difficult for Milner to stop the Price/Hollis freight train. He did win the A4DE in favouring 250 conditions however, so don’t rule out the odd round win entirely.

Can Husqvarna challenge for a title? Yes
Glenn Kearney will take a boat of confidence from his E1 win at Goomburra on Sunday, serving as Husqvarna’s best chance to challenge for a title. But, defeating Milner is no mean feat.

Who has surprised so far? Lachlan Stanford
With a pair of E2 podiums in rounds three and four, Lachlan Stanford’s switch to Husqvarna has been a seamless one on the TE 310 R.

The podiums have featured a mix of riders through the first four rounds.

Is the series gaining strength? Yes
Viral videos, great photography and more have really continued to highlight the spectacular Aussie off-road series once again this year.

Are Australians world class? Yes
Matt Phillips has proved this recently with his world championship success, plus of course the ISDE results of Team Australia confirm the fact. Phillips will do double duty in 2013, but he won’t have it all his own way on home soil.

What is the best aspect of AORC? Environment
No doubt a professional sport, the off-roaders still shine when it comes to having a strong comradery between even the toughest of rivals. It’s more relaxed than moto, but ultra series once the goggles go on.

Has CDR Yamaha added interest in the sport? Yes
As a five-time defending outdoor motocross champion team, the addition of CDR Yamaha in the off-road ranks has increased interest in the sport and made for a closer crossover between the pair.

Will Husaberg win rounds? Maybe
Husaberg has a lot of talent in their line-up between Geoff Braico, Scott Keegan and Jarrod Bewley this season. If things go their way, a class round win definitely won’t be a surprise.