2009 Australian Off-Road E3 Class Champion Geoff Braico has teamed up with motorcycling manufacturer Husaberg to contest the 2010 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), the Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE), as well as various NSW enduro events.

Braico, from Wahroonga in Sydney, also holds the number one plate in NSW, following his 2009 accolade as NSW Enduro Rider of the Year. For 2010 Braico will race on board the Husaberg FE570, with his debut event being this weekend at round one of the Australian Off-Road Championship.

After winning seven of the ten E3 class AORC rounds in 2009, and finishing as the top privateer racer for 2009 with a tenth outright position, Braico feels confident with new factory team backing from Husaberg, as well as set up support from Suttos Motorcycle dealership he will be very competitive throughout 2010.

Commenting on his new ride, and entry into the AORC this weekend Braico said, “I have been riding as a privateer, and working full-time ever since I started racing in the pro class four years ago, and I have been striving for a factory deal ever since.

“I was riding a KTM before and very happy with my bike, but when General Manager Jeff Leisk gave me the opportunity to ride with factory support on a Berg, I jumped at the opportunity.

“My goal for the year will be to retain my E3 Championship title in the AORC, and also improve on my outright standing for 2010. My toughest competition will come from KTM rider Ben Grabham and Yamaha rider Kirk Hutton, who will both also be in the E3 class.

“I only recently got my 2010 Husaberg FE 570 race bike, and I’ve been riding it around the Watagans on the Central Coast (NSW) to familiarise myself with its handling. I’m actually only just getting back onto a bike after breaking my right arm in three places just over nine weeks ago, but it’s strong as it was before – just with a few extra pins in it.

“Suttos Motorcycle dealership have been helping me with bike preparation, and everything is feeling good so far, giving me all the confidence I need going into the opening round of the AORC this weekend.”

The 2010 AORC is a 12-round Championship held over six weekends. The opening two rounds at Port Macquarie on 13-14 March will be ran in a cross-country format (class mass start, most championship classes race for 2.5-hours flat out). Round two will be ran in sprint format (several laps of the bush/motocross track racing against the clock).

Gates to Port Macquarie’s Hastings Valley Motorcycle Raceway will open at 9.00am March 13th and 14th. Admission is $5.00/adult, children under 14 are free. For further event information see www.aorcracing.com.au.

The next stop for the AORC will be at Green Park on May 1st and 2nd at Conondale (QLD).