Reigning Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) number one Daniel Sanders has claimed assertive E3 class victories at rounds one and two in Toowoomba, QLD.
Sanders, who is not yet back at 100 per cent following a wrist injury sustained in the pre-season, put in a fine performance to open his campaign with commanding results aboard the Husqvarna Motorcycles FE 501.
Despite a difficult start on Saturday morning, the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team rider rebounded to land the E3 overall. He continued that form on Sunday, recording the second-fastest times outright in both rounds of racing.
“The results in class were good this weekend in Toowoomba,” reflected Sanders. “It’s definitely positive to start the season on top, especially after the way Saturday started and after spending minimal time on the bike in the lead-up. We have the base to build from now in terms of results and will keep working hard, so thanks to everyone at the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team, the FE 501 was really solid as it always is. I’m excited to keep going and look forward to the Dungog rounds coming up.”
The 2020 Australian Off-Road Championship will now travel to Dungog in New South Wales on 14-15 March, where it is anticipated that Sanders’ teammate Andy Wilksch may be able to make his debut with the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team.
Ben Grabham – Team Coordinator, Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team: “Overall we’re more than happy with how it went. ‘Chucky’ is still a little bit behind with his preparation, so started off yesterday pretty rusty and had a few decent crashes, but clawed his way back to win E3 and his time was second outright. Today was stronger, comfortably winning E3 and he was a solid second-fastest outright. We have some things to work on as a team, but we’re really happy with how it’s all started, so full credit to everybody involved. I’m now looking forward to seeing where we can be in a month’s time when we’re in the bulk of the racing.”
Round One Results:
E3
1. Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) 2. Jonte Reynders (Sherco)
3. Callum Norton (KTM)
4. Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna)
5. Jesse Lawton (KTM)
Round Two Results:
E3
1. Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) 2. Jonte Reynders (Sherco)
3. Callum Norton (KTM)
4. Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna)
5. Jesse Lawton (KTM)
Championship Standings:
E3
1. Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) 50 2. Jonte Reynders (Sherco) 44
3. Callum Norton (KTM) 40
4. Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna) 36
5. Jesse Lawton (KTM) 32