Image: Supplied.

Last year’s Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) E3 title-winner Andy Wilksch will sit out rounds one and two of the 2023 season this weekend in Mendooran due to knee and leg injuries.

Wilksch, 26, was victorious in the E3 class at seven of the 11 AORC rounds in 2022, alongside claiming the runner-up result in class at the Australian Four-Day Enduro (A4DE).

Switching to KTM for his 2023 campaign, Wilksch is also set to transition to the E2 category, but will not contest the season-opener due to damage sustained three and a half weeks ago.

“I won’t be lining up for rounds one and two of the AORC this weekend,” said Wilksch. “I’ve been working super-hard in the background to get on top of a knee injury I sustained three and a half weeks ago, the end result being a severe grade two torn MCL and ACL, as well as a stress fracture in the top of my right leg.

“It’s progressing well, but not to the point where I’m able to race with out risking more serious damage. Far from the way I first hoped to start this seasons campaign with KTM Australia, but I’ll still be working as hard as I can to be back out there giving it my all as soon as possible.”

Wilksch is yet to confirm a timeline for his return, and following Mendooran rounds three and four of the championship are set to take place at Queensland Moto Park (QMP) on 22-23 April, giving him close to a month to further heal and prepare.