Thomas Herrick has topped the leaderboard after the flat track round of the Yamaha bLU cRU Aussie Flat Track Nationals at Gunnedah’s Balcary Park after points leader Tom Armstrong crashed heavily in the opening race, ruling him out of further participation over the weekend. Press: AFTN

J85-Round Podium

Herrick took two race wins to seal the round ahead of Michael Kirkness, with Cameron Dunker in third after taking victory in the opening race. Sam Drane showed the benefit of his international experience by taking out a close battle with Jed Fyffe in Junior Lites while George Holmkvist showed consistency to grab the Junior 85s round win. Ashley Wilesmith secured the first ever Pro Twins Australian Flat Track Championship this afternoon coming out on top after three rounds and nine races across the series. Luke Gough put on a show for the crowd today, riding an Indian FTR 750 to three victories in what is believed to be the first ever time this model has raced in Australia.

Pro450-Round Winner

Round 6 – Flat Track Layout

Current Pro 450 champion Thomas Herrick (Husq) had his best form on show on the tricky Balcary Park flat track, starting the day with five points to take out Superpole. ASBK Superbike star Cam Dunker (Yamaha) took out the opening race after a restart following a serious crash to points leader Tom Armstrong (Honda). Herrick then showed impeccable lines and speed to clinch the second bout ahead of former champion Michael Kirkness (Honda). Kirkness was determined, however, and made his pass stick in the third race on the final lap to leave Cooper Archibald (Husq) in second and a frustrated Herrick in third. Herrick showed grit in the final race, withstanding a fierce attack from Kirkness.

“The track was very tricky today,” Kirkness said. “In the first turn, there was one big bump that I kept on hitting but if I went inside that, it felt like the front would tuck.” With Armstrong now ruled out of action for the weekend, Herrick moved ahead in the points with the TT round to be held tomorrow.

Pro 450 round winner, Thomas Herrick: “It was a day of firsts for me, first time winning Superpole and first time for the round win. It’s unfortunate what happened this morning with one of my mates, Tommy (Armstrong). I hope he’s resting up and that he’s going to be alright. Hopefully the weather holds off tomorrow and we can have some great racing.”

Sam Drane (Yamaha) and Jed Fyffe (KTM) shared the spoils in Junior Lites to take two wins and two second placings each, with Drane the fastest qualifier. “It’s been a really good day, starting with pole. The bike’s been handling well and I’ve had some fun battles,” Drane said. The pair put on a real show with both displaying clean lines and a high level of racecraft, making passes with ease. Nate Jaeger (Husq) broke through for three podiums while Neiko Donovan (Husq) struggled on the Balcary Park surface, taking a best of third place in the opening race. Fyffe now has one hand on the year-end trophy with a 62-point lead heading into the final round.

In Junior 85s George Holmkvist (KTM) backed up his round win at Griffith with another round win on the Gunnedah flat track, consistently mounting the podium as well as one race win. “It was a fun day, I quite like the surface,” Holmkvist said on the podium. “I haven’t been here before and the oil track is a bit different. I figured out the lines in the second qualifying session.”

Lucy Heaton-New (KTM) was another stand out, taking two race wins and moving into second place in the overall points. Championship leader Beau Baker (KTM) languished on the oil surface but still holds a commanding lead heading into the final day of competition.

Former American Flat Track competitor Luke Gough was handed the enviable task of riding Matt Drane’s Indian FTR 750 in the Pro Twins class and Gough said the goal was to simply look after one of the most unique flat track machines in the world and have some fun. “It was an absolute pleasure to ride. Thanks so much to Matt for giving me the opportunity to ride it. I had to keep it somewhat smooth and not destroy the damn thing!” Gough took out all three Pro Twins races while Ashley Wilesmith (Ducati) wrapped up the first ever Pro Twins title with another consistent performance. “I’d like to thank my brother for supporting me and putting me on this bike, even though I thought it was a bad idea! I’ve raced against some great guys at great locations, all I can say is bring on next year!”

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