News 16 Mar 2020

E1 leader Styke understanding in Sunday Dungog AORC cancellation

Factory Yamaha pilot promoted to top of the E1 standings with Saturday win.

Image: Foremost Media.

Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing’s Luke Styke has taken an understanding stance on the decision to cancel Sunday’s fourth round of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) in Dungog, New South Wales.

Poor weather conditions that rolled in during Saturday’s third round only intensified overnight, leaving officials to deem Sunday’s racing as unsafe and ultimately abandoned the scheduled sprint tests.

While admittedly disappointed, Styke, who earned the E1 points lead after claiming victory on Saturday, explained the tests would’ve been difficult to navigate for riders and in particular medical staff.

“I was able to have a good run and win on Saturday,” Styke commented. “It was disappointing that we couldn’t race Sunday but the amount of rain we had meant completing the course and getting medical to all areas would be difficult, so the decision was made to call it off and I completely understand it.

“The tests on the weekend were good and we were fortunate to get the majority of them done before the rain came. I have got the points lead back now and the plan is to not let it go until the championship is done.”

The AORC will head to Nowra in New South Wales on 18-19 April.

Recent