Aussie off-road title to begin in Port Macquarie

The 2010 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) kicks off this weekend in Port Macquarie (NSW), with seven of last year's top 10 riders returning for more.

After the dramatic finish to the 2009 title, with Toby Price edging out four-time world enduro champion Stefan Merriman by just 3pts, there is massive anticipation heading into the new season, which will be held over six weekends and 12 rounds with a mix of cross-country (mass start, 150-minute races) and sprint (several laps of the bush/motocross track racing against the clock) action.

Price, Merriman, Jarrod Bewley and another former champion, AJ Roberts, all have strong title claims in 2010, with Price having switched camps from Kawasaki to KTM.

"I'm entering this year's AORC with the same mind set as last year, and that's to go out and have fun, as long as you're having fun you're going to get good results," said Price, 22. "It's going to be a tough season and no doubt Stefan Merriman is going to be the rider to beat, but I managed to do it last year for outright ranking, so it's not impossible.

"I have been doing a lot of testing on the KTM 450 EXC around my home tracks, and also a heap of off bike training so I'm all pumped and ready to go."

Price will again race in the E2 class this year, while his team-mate Jarrod Bewley, who was third in last year's title, will uphold KTM's fortunes in E1.

Merriman will remain with Yamaha in 2010, in his second year back on the local scene after a decorated world enduro career.

"The young guys coming up are getting faster and there's a lot of talent in the field," Merriman said. "I'm feeling confident about this season, I'm very determined to win this year, but it is going to be tough."

Meanwhile, Roberts, 27, will be Honda-mounted again in 2010, but this time under the auspices of his own team. The Queenslander is back in action after missing a large chunk of 2009 with an injured shoulder - a major casualty of the Australian Safari.

"The Force Honda Thor Michelin Off Road Team has come together well. We've done everything needed to be fully prepared for this weekend and I'm just really looking forward to racing in a national series again," Roberts said.

"My shoulder is good now and I feel fit and strong. Of course, I have a few nerves with the build-up to the season, but I can't wait."

Other riders in contention for outright honours will include Ben Grabham (KTM), Kirk Hutton (Yamaha) and Geoff Braico (Husaberg).

This year's AORC has lost two stars in the shape of 2008 champion Chris Hollis and Ben Kearney, with the former signing for Husqvarna to compete in the world enduro title. Meanwhile, Kearney has joined his enduro-riding sibling, Glenn, across the Atlantic in America.

An intriguing entry for round one is motocross star Daniel McCoy, who certainly has talent to give the marquee riders a fright. And he can look at Price for inspiration, as the AORC champion was a former motocross star himself, especially in the junior ranks.

As well as the pro classes, the AORC also hosts racing for veterans, experts, women, masters, clubmen and juniors.

Click on the following link for more information on the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship.