Motorcycling Australia press release:

This weekend is crunch time for the competitors of the 2016 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, as this Saturday marks the beginning of the final two Rounds – Rounds 11 & 12 of what has been a season of close racing and thrilling spectacles.

The battle for this year’s crown is even more competitive, with hot competition ruled out due to injury, rider’s steadily improving throughout the year and athletes proving consistency is key. Fan’s will flock to Penshurst in Victoria bubbled with excitement as riders take to tight and technical tracks.

AORC’s hot favourite to win

KTM Enduro Racing Team’s Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders has followed in the footsteps of 2015 team mate Toby Price, stepping up to the plate from the first round this season in Queensland. Sander’s currently is sitting with eight outright wins to his name, and sits first in both the outright Championship points standings as well as in his Championship E3 Class on 232 points.

This weekend there are still 50 points up for grabs for competitors in Championship contention, however if Sanders can keep the consistency we have seen throughout this season so far, he will be crossing the finishing line in the number one position.

AORC’s rider to watch this weekend

The drawn out season has proved valuable for KTM Enduro Racing Team’s Tye Simmonds who from the first round this season has consistently improved to take home some of his best results this season. Simmonds currently sits second outright (198 points) and first in his Championship E2 Class.

Simmonds, is only just behind team mate Sanders and with 50 points up for grabs this weekend the pressure is going to be on for Simmonds to put his best foot forward in the hopes to improve his Championship position. However, as the leading rider in his class Simmonds simply has to keep a clear mind and push his machine over the finish line in front of fellow E2 Competitors CDR Yamaha’s Chris Hollis and Broc Grabham.

AORC’s rider yet to win

Husqvarna mounted Lachlan Stanford has been a strong contender this year with consistent results in the Championship E3 class, currently sitting in second just behind Daniel Sanders. However, Active8 Yamaha Yamalube’s Beau Ralston has definitely not let Stanford have it that easy putting the pressure on with some second placed finishes in recent rounds.

Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team’s Stanford is not a force to be underestimated. Under the influence of Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team’s Manager and rider Glenn Kearney, Stanford has experience and expertise in his corner. If we see him return to AORC next year, Stanford may just be the one to beat.

As the season decider draws closer with only two days until the riders hit the track, Penshurst will be packed with anticipation for Rounds 11 & 12 of the 2016 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship.

For results throughout the weekend head to www.mylaps.com.au.

To stay up to date with everything Off-Road this weekend head to www.ma.org.au for full race reports and the championship low down, like the AORC Facebook page and follow @aorc_ on Instagram.