Image: Foremost Media.

Up and coming talent Jye Dickson will fill-in for injured KTM E3 contender Stefan Granquist in rounds nine and 10 of the 2022 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) at Kingston SE in South Australia this weekend.

Granquist continues to recover after badly breaking his tibia and fibula upon making impact with a tree while competing at Mendooran, New South Wales, in July and has called in Dickson to step up from E2 to the E3 category aboard his KTM 500 EXC-F.

Dickson emerged onto the AORC scene and delivered strong results at rounds five and six of this year’s series, finishing third position in E2 on both occasions riding a KTM 450 SX-F. He also starred with third outright at the conclusion of day two and those results attracted the attention of Granquist.

“I’m pretty excited to get out there and have really been enjoying the 500 – it’s a fun bike and the suspension is really dialled in,” Dickson explained.

“There was a little bit to adjust to since I jumped off an SX onto the EXC, but I’ve been really comfortable from the start. It didn’t take me too long to get used to it and I’m confident it’s going to be a lot better in the bush as I keep building experience off-road. I’m excited to get out there and give it a crack!”

Keeping involved despite his injuries, Granquist will move to a mentoring role for the upcoming races and provide support to both Dickson and KTM teammate Emelie Karlsson, who sits second in the EW standings and recently claimed a Women’s Trophy podium result at the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) with Team Australia.

“We are very happy to have Jye join the team for the upcoming races and he is already looking quite comfortable after our initial testing on board the 500 EXC-F,” Granquist explained.

“Jye competed at the Mendooran round for his first appearance in the AORC series and definitely opened a few eyes when he came away with a 3-3 result in the E2 class and a very impressive third outright on day two.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed that I can’t race myself, but I have been advised my leg will require an additional four weeks before I can even consider riding a motorbike. My focus has now shifted towards providing both Emelie and Jye with the best possible support at the remaining races.”

The plan at this moment is for Dickson to compete in rounds nine and 10 of AORC, with the possibility of also contesting the series finals in Wynward, Tasmania, on 8-9 October.