Yamaha mounted rider, Jemma Wilson had the perfect start to her 2017 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) defence at Rawson.
Now, she has her eyes set on taking the win on her home turf in Miva, QLD for Rounds 5 & 6 this weekend! Wilson has a phenomenal track record including three times Yamaha AORC Women’s Champion and four-time ISDE winner.
Wilson was pleased as to how her title defence kicked off this year, setting her up to go back to back in 2017; “It was the perfect start to the season. I got the hole shot at the start of the Cross Country. I also led the Sprint Race from start to finish. The conditions were perfect and I couldn’t ask for a better way to start the season.” Wilson said.
As an icon of Australian Off-Road racing, Wilson is a trailblazer and hopes to influence more women to join in the sport that she loves; “I definitely hope that I can assist in getting more women involved in the sport and trials riding as well. The interest in the Women’s Yamaha AORC class is growing and the more that are involved the better it will be.” Wilson exclaimed.
“I’m part of a privateer outfit that’s supported by Yamaha Motor Australia, they’ve backed me for about 10 years and have been a phenomenal supporter of mine.” Wilson Stated.
After Jessica Gardner and Tayla Jones moved overseas to compete internationally, Wilson has new challengers in the form of Emelie Karlsson and Sophie Coldicutt; “Jess Gardiner is obviously racing in Europe at the moment and Tayla Jones in America. So Emilie (Karlsson) and Sophie (Coldicutt) are likely to be Championship threats.” According to Wilson.
This weekends’ meeting at Miva will be Wilson’s home race and she hopes the conditions will be optimal for great racing; “The track is very tight and rocky. Hopefully the conditions aren’t dusty, but it should make for great racing. It will be great to have the locals cheering me on!” Wilson said.
A highlight of Wilson’s career is her international experience at the ISDE; “ISDE is always a fantastic experience. Going to France will also be unforgettable, I’ve got a lot of friends over there that I’ve gathered from five years of racing there. I’m not racing the World Enduro GP this year, however I am really looking forward to competing overseas. The highlight of my career has to be the four wins at ISDE with Jess (Gardiner) and Tayla (Jones). Spraying the champagne and hearing the Australian national anthem on the podium is a buzz. Also winning the Yamaha AORC Women’s Championship last year was phenomenal!” Wilson finished.