Image: Foremost Media.

E1 rookie Michael Driscoll is drawing added energy and drive as his home round of the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) looms this weekend at Dungog in New South Wales.

Two-time EJ champion Driscoll, a Dungog local, is targeting a season-first victory at rounds three and four this Saturday and Sunday, however he’s acknowledged the talented field he’s stacked up against that will challenge him for top honours.

Piloting a Yamaha Active8 Yamalube WR250F, the youthful contender will take to the Enduro format for the first time this year as he comes off a stellar double-podium while on debut at Toowoomba’s opener last month.

“You definitely feel more energetic and driven coming into a local event because you want to do well in front of a home crowd,” Driscoll explained. “I have a really strong field of competition that I’m going up against, so taking out the win will be tough but if I can manage it, it will be that bit sweeter than any other round.

“The main goal in the lead up to this weekend is sharpening up on my skills and my understanding on Enduro rules. Apart from this, my training doesn’t change. I am putting particular effort into my health and fitness, which in turn helps me remain utterly focussed and motivated.”

Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) and defending E1 champion Luke Styke (Yamaha Active8 Yamalube) are currently tied at the top of the E1 points rankings, each taking a win at Toowoomba.