14 March 2008
MEDIA RELEASE
AJ in for Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships
Three-time Australian off-road champion Anthony ‘AJ’ Roberts will be racing the opening rounds of the championships this weekend at Port Macquarie.
The GHR Honda rider broke his tibia six weeks ago while training near his home in Queensland and was unsure whether he would be ready to race this weekend.
Roberts said during the media conference today he is "feeling good" and looking forward to this weekend’s contest.
"I had a ride last weekend to break in the new bike... my leg’s feeling really good. The doctor’s said it would take six weeks to heal and it’s exactly six weeks this weekend so I think it should be alright," Roberts said.
"Obviously being off the bike for so long before the season isn’t ideal preparation, but it was nice to have the break to recover. "It should be a good weekend. We [the championship class riders] haven’t raced against each other for a while, the first race of the season’s always an unknown which makes it really exciting, it’s like the moment of truth.
"It should be a good weekend. We [the championship class riders] haven’t raced against each other for a while, the first race of the season’s always an unknown which makes it really exciting, it’s like the moment of truth.
"I am obviously not here to lose, but we’re all good riders and it always comes down to one second. All it takes is one mistake. But I’m feeling confident and looking forward to getting on the bike."
The opening rounds this weekend have attracted a record field of 240 racers.
The 'pro pits', including impressive "Yamaha tuning fork’ additions to the always professional Ballard’s Yamaha Enduro Team pit area, are set up and all the big-names in Australian off road racing have rolled in to the beautiful coastal area from various corners of the country. Port Macquarie local and Ballard’s racer Chris Hollis, who came second outright to Roberts in the AORC last year, has been welcomed by the local media and will likely draw a crowd of friends and fans.
"I’m looking forward to this weekend, I will definitely be looking to win both days," Hollis said.
"It’s going to be good to [race so close to home]. All my mates will be out there, being close to home takes the stress off and I get to sleep in my own bed - most of the rounds involve a lot of travel."
To enter or for more information please visit www.dirtbikepromotions.com.au, contact Dirt Bike Promotions on 02 63624437 or 0438721024 or email
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