Sherco Australia press release:

Sherco Australia will line up for rounds one and two of the 2016 Australian Off-Road Championship in Kilkivan, Queensland with five riders all intent on shaking things up.

The new-look Motul Pirelli Sherco Factory Team is spearheaded by rising talent Wil Ruprecht and seasoned motocross racer turned off-road charger Justin Carafa. Ruprecht will contest the Under-19 class while Carafa will be in the thick of the E2 division. Both riders will race the 450SEF-R.

Wil Ruprecht: – “It’s great to go racing with Sherco for the first time. I just love the 450 after stepping up from a 250F in 2015. I tested the entire Sherco enduro range and the 450 is what suited me best and my lap times showed this is the bike for me. The team setup is really good and I’m confident I can be competitive and creep up the outright placings while I’m at it.”

Justin Carafa: – “I’m keen to get racing. It’ll be good to see where I’m at in comparison to the main competition. I just want to get amongst it and keep it on two wheels and be competitive. You can’t win a championship at the first round but you can lose it. Our pre-season testing has been great, I’m feeling right at home on the 450. I just want to start racing.”

The newly-formed Motul Pirelli Sherco Academy Team will make its debut this weekend with Baylee Davies racing the E1 class on the 250SEF-R and Jai Wedlock will compete in the Under 19-class on a 300SEF-R.

Baylee Davies: – “I’m loving the 250. It’s so nimble and agile but it has such a super-strong engine. It’s one of the stronger 250cc four-stroke engines I’ve ever ridden. I’m stoked on the whole package and I’m looking forward to trying to put it up front. I’m nervous and excited at the same time.”

Jai Wedlock: – “I can’t wait to get racing. I raced at Kilkivan last year so I know what I’m in for. It’s been hot and dry at home so I’ve had plenty of practice in similar conditions and it’s been really good. This year’s 300 is even better than last year and Chad’s Off-Road has my bike handling like a dream so I’m well prepared.”

Bolstering the Sherco presence at Kilkivan is 2015 A4DE Masters-Class runner-up Derek Grundy. The mature Tasmanian is fit and fast and ready to tackle the Masters class head-on aboard a 300SEF-R.

Derek Grundy: – “I think the conditions might knock me around a bit with the heat. But I’m confident of making the podium. I’m competitive and I’ll give it go. I’ve got good equipment and I’m in good shape so I reckon I’m in with a chance. I haven’t done any racing so far this year but I have been training so I’m looking forward to it.”

For more information on Sherco Australia, visit www.sherco.com.au or to follow the progress of the Motul Pirelli Sherco Enduro Team, visit www.facebook.com/shercomotorcyclesaustralia.