Yamaha 2007 Australian Quad Motocross Championships
Maffra / Sale MX Complex - November 17th and 18th

Anticipation in the air and the roar of the engines created a sensational start to the weekend having the best field of 139 competitors representing their states at this amazing event.

The Pro Race pulled the spectators to the fence line to watch the skill and agility of the best riders all states of Australia could offer.
In the 1st moto Qld rider Andrew Ledingham set the pace with local Victorian rider Joshua Ross hot on his heels. In a huge upset both WA riders Ryan Lancaster and 2006 Australian Champion Chris Brenton both had a DNF which left the field wide open for the other riders to put the pressure on in the points for the 2007 Title. A few of the Victorian riders also had troubles leaving Aaron Ovens working madly on his quad in the pits. Ross took 1st place in spectacular style showing the other competitors that not only does he ride fast on the 2 wheelers but has the expertise to ride the ATV to the extreme also. Lancaster took out the fastest lap time of 2:30.104 in lap 4 of the 20-minute moto however also took out the fastest lap time for the whole weekend of 2:23.777 seconds in the 3rd moto.

In the 2nd moto Lancaster and Brenton had better luck finishing the race in true style.
Hot on their heels were Victorian Rider Paul Smith and WA rider Anthony Yewers.
The 3rd moto proved to be the hottest race of all with the fastest times registered. The riders managed to race 10 full laps of the track with the lead changing 3 times between Yewers, Brenton and Lancaster.

The last 2 motos raced on the Sunday showed Lancaster being very dominant throwing his quad around the track with the greatest of ease and almost giving himself nose bleeds with the heights he was obtaining over the tabletops. Not to be out done was Yewers who has shown that he has amazing fitness competing in 2 events over the course of the weekend.

Overall Anthony Yewers took the well-deserved 2007 Pro Championship Title Yewers not only riding in the Pro Class 20 minute motos managed to also take out the Vets 35 to 44 years Title. Lancaster with one DNF and 4 straight wins pulled himself back into 2nd and new comer to the sport Ross proved himself with a fantastic and also well deserved 3rd Place.

Another young rider who is up and coming and one to watch is Victorian Rider Cameron Wade. Wade put in an enormous effort over the weekend racing 2 events. Having a few hiccups out on the track never upset Wade as he kept his cool and showed maturity. Wade took out 1st place in the Production Class as well as the Expert Class.

The Womens class had a changing of the guard with QLD rider Patricia Bartley putting in a faultless exhibition to take the 2007 Womens Championship. Hot on her heels was last years winner Victorian rider Jeanette Lindsay, however mechanical problems giving her a DNF in the first moto put her out of contention for the Title.

The Jumbo Junior Class had a great following this year. Last year it was cancelled due to lack of numbers however this year these fully worked 90cc 2 stroke and 125 4 stroke machines were out in full force. These quads have had their frames reinforced for obvious reasons and engines worked to the extreme to carry these older riders
( not junior riders which these bikes are suited to !) around the track. Finke Legend Darrell Knight, commonly know as Bullet, did not give an inch out on the track as he took a clean sweep in all 5 motos

Also taking a clean sweep was young Victorian rider Mitchell Van Vliet aboard his 200cc Yamaha Blaster. The Junior 200cc – 300cc Class had the biggest field over the weekend with every rider out there going for the Junior Title. Van Vliet was clocking times of 2:40.284 on his 2 stroke showing that these little blasters are mean machines out on the track. Doubling the rhythm section and clearing the tabletops is a mean feat to watch when it comes to these junior riders. Victorian riders Adam Larson and Jono Wade were right up with Van Vliet leaving the rest of the field behind. All the riders put on spectacular racing which kept the crowds on their toes cheering for these future senior riders.

Van Vliet was also given the chance to ride the new Yamaha Raptor 250cc in a display out on the track showing the crowd what this great quad could do.
Van Vliet commented “ This is a nice little bike that handles really well. Once it’s widened and has suited suspension it will be great and I feel very honoured to have a first ride on this quad”

Junior Classes were a hit with the crowd showing off the talents of our future Champions. The Cobras seemed quite dominant but the E-ton riders certainly kept up the pace especially in the 50cc Standard class.

The Maffra Sale MX Club and QRCV Club organisers of the Yamaha 2007 Australian Quad Motocross Championships were thrilled with the success of the event. The mad hype and chatter in the pits all had favourable tones and to finish the weekend off with an impressive Presentation Dinner left everybody with a smile on their face.
Maffra/ Sale Motorcycle Club President Mark Ross commented “With the help of all our sponsors and volunteers I feel this event got off the ground and had a massive success thanks to all involved. The racing was certainly at its best with all riders performing at the highest standard. The Quad fraternity definitely has one of the fastest growing motor sports in the industry and after this weekend it can only get bigger and better”