Image: Foremost Media.

Australian MX1 champion Todd Waters says he exceeded expectations in his Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship debut at Toowoomba on the weekend, the Queenslander earning a double podium in the E2 category.

The Husqvarna-supported rider admits he wasn’t sure what to expect, however he displayed immediate competitiveness in his first off-road hit-out, finishing second in the E2 class across both days.

Waters also wound up third outright behind world-class talents Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) and Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) during rounds one and two.

“To be honest I rode better than I expected,” Waters admitted. “I was stoked to podium in the opening rounds considering our lack of preparation. I had no idea what I was in for, the goal was to just get a feel for the AORC and build from there.

“I can’t thank Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia and all my other sponsors enough for their support in allowing me to compete in the off-road scene. We have a few weeks to the next round in Dungog, New South Wales.

“I’m excited to make some major changes to my bike setup and try and get my head around the next race format. The series is definitely going to keep me on my toes and be a useful distraction from motocross when it starts to get a bit repetitive. On a side note, I couldn’t have felt more welcomed into the Australian off-road scene.”

Waters sits second in the E2 standings as the series heads to Dungog in New South Wales on 14-15 March.