NEW LOOK AUSTRALIAN ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS OFF THIS - JUST BIKES

New look Australian Enduro Championship kicks off this weekend

The new era for Australian enduro racing starts this weekend, with Kempsey to host the opening double header for the 12-round ‘Australian Enduro Championship’ on 1-2 March.

Formerly known as the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), the rebrand to the Australian Enduro Championship (AEC) was announced by Motorcycling Australia (MA) last December as part of a revitalisation of the series for 2025.

New look Australian Enduro Championship kicks off this weekend

Along with a new name, the AEC introduces a focus on aligning the local point-scoring system with global enduro championships. To that end, an outright points table has been established, where riders from E1, E2 and E3 categories will all battle it out for the title of ‘Pro Enduro Champion’ at every round and across the 2025 championship.

Another key change is the introduction of a ‘Sportsman’ class that will allow clubman riders to compete at a national level.

“The Australian Enduro Championship will showcase an international standard championship not only for our Australian riders and teams, but also our enduro fans locally and throughout the world,” said MA CEO, Peter Doyle.

“Thanks to our successes on the international enduro stage over many years, we now see many people focussing on talent coming out of Australia to take on the world in EnduroGP and other championships around the globe, with the AEC continuing to be a crucial breeding ground.

“With the right support from industry, partners and sponsors, we hope to be able to showcase a scintillating Australian Enduro Championship.”

Changes to the AEC structure, like the outright points table, are said to enhance the competitive structure of the championship. According to MA, this will also provide new opportunities for visibility and foster the sport’s growth.

Yamaha Australia and MXstore will back this new era for local enduro competition, as they did with the AORC. New initiatives, fresh opportunities and revitalised branding for the AEC are being planned, which MA says will not only raise the profile of the championship and its riders, but also deliver heightened exposure for sponsors and partners.