Kate Norman Racing press release:

It was a consistent pair of seventh place finishes for Kate Norman last weekend at the opening two rounds of the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) at Kilkivan in
Queensland.

The two sprint format style rounds proved to be a real test in regards to the track, which was quite simply dry, dusty and rocky. Throw in the temperature which soared into the high thirties during round one on Saturday.

The opening round saw Norman power her to seventh place in what was her fourth AORC start, with a total time of 45min02.995. Norman’s fastest lap time was set in the first sprint when she stopped the clock with a 7min12.558.

“It was a positive start to the season,” explained Norman at the conclusion of round one. The track on Saturday, was really hard and rough, but it suited Norman’s riding style. “I found today quite challenging because of just how dusty it got again in the late part of the afternoon and just how rough the track got. In saying that it was very enjoyable.”

Round two on Sunday and Norman and her fellow competitors raced on the ‘pro’ circuit, which was comapletely different to the track on Saturday. The track had a few creek crossings and little logs which made it a bit more difficualt. However there were a few fast sections which suited Norman and her Bolton Motorcycles supported KTM 250SX-F.

After six sprints completed in total, Norman’s overall time was 52min38.823 which she described as “another good day at the office.” “Riding the pro track on the Sunday I thought it was a bit more tricky as it was a different terrain to the track on the Saturday. Considering how hot it was yesterday and today, I do feel really good on the the bike which is the most important thing.”

The two sprint format used on the weekend saw Norman have a safe and smooth run on each day and now she can look to build momentum as the championship moves on to Portland in New South Wales on 9-10 April, which will also be conducted as another Sprint/Sprint format.

“Overall I’m very happy with how the weekend went. There are some fast girls out there, so it was nice to have some some simular times to them over the course of the weekend.”

Norman sits in sixth position in the AORC championship on twenty-eight points, three points behind fifth place.

“I’m happy where I am fitness wise. Now that I have a platform to work off, I’m hopeing to get some better results at the next round. I really am looking forward to the next round to see what I can get out of it.”