West Wyalong motorcycle rider Tom Herrick clinched back-to-back Pro 450 Yamaha BLU CRU Aussie Flat Track Nationals (AFTN) titles, as the final two rounds were fiercely fought at Balcary Park last weekend.

Herrick was among 62 competitors at the Gunnedah-based venue last weekend, after he was among 75 competitors at the same venue in the final two rounds of last year’s AFTN titles.

Riders travelled from all around the country including north Queensland, Victoria, and an array of NSW areas.

Conditions were a mixed bag last weekend, including rain on both mornings which meant the Gunnedah Motorcycle Club (MCC) crew was kept busy ensuring the track was in sufficient condition.

Matt O’Connell from Australian Motorcycle News said the Gunnedah MCC crew “know their stuff when it comes to track preparation” and “did a great job”.

“Just when we thought there might be huge delays due to rain, they came out with a massive effort,” O’Connell said.

“All of our host clubs this year have been so committed to making sure the event runs smoothly.”

Herrick entered last weekend in second place on the overall standings with 934, while Griffith’s Tom Armstrong was on 1044.

The competition took a dramatic twist last Saturday when Armstrong was injured in a crash after clipping another rider from behind.

It was an unfortunate way for the 36-year-old’s campaign to end, after he returned from a 13-year hiatus and was the form rider throughout the series which featured races in Maryborough, Albury and Griffith.

Armstrong finished in fifth place overall, after being unable to add to his points tally last weekend.

Herrick placed fifth last Saturday to remain in contention for overall top spot, while Kurri Kurri rider Cameron Dunker rode brilliantly and went on to finish third overall.

The highlight for the host club was Daniel Wicks, who was third in the overall standings in the lead-up to last weekend before he finished overall runner-up to Herrick.

There was also plenty of hotly contested racing in the Junior Lites, Junior 85 and Clubman Open divisions.

O’Connell said there were “very high-level rivalries”, with a lot of “young versus old happening” in the Pro 450.

“I think this only adds to the intensity,” he said.

O’Connell said the future for motorcycle racing looked bright, with the likes of Jed Fyffe, Sam Drane and Neiko Donovan doing so well in the Junior Lites.

“Sam has been riding in the USA this year with plenty of success, and the two Aussie young guys held their own,” he said.

O’Connell said the overall standard of riding and racecraft were a standout.

“The competitors appear to be refining their technique and set-up year on year as this discipline (flat track on 19 inch wheels) is really starting to establish itself in Australia,” he said.

“I think riders and fans are beginning to appreciate what is on offer in this series.

“It is something special for Australian racing having the ability to progress through to international competition.”

WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP:
Pro 450 winner Tom Herrick 1303, r/up Daniel Wicks 1235;
Junior Lites winner Jed Fyffe 1511, r/up Neiko Donovan 1471;
Junior 85 winner Beau Baker 1328.5, r/up Brody Ford 1227.5;
Clubman Open winner Sam Hollands 1126, r/up Rhys Irvin 967.