The 2025 Yamaha Australian Enduro Championship presented by MXstore (AusEnduro) heads to Casterton (Vic) for Rounds 7 and 8 on June 28-29. With recent rainfall making the region’s infamous black sands prime for racing, riders will battle it out in both Cross Country and Sprint formats over two action-packed days.

PRO ENDURO
Following his breakthrough victory at Tintinara, Jye Dickson (Beta Australia Enduro Team) is eager to keep his momentum rolling in similar sandy terrain. However, championship leader Daniel Milner (DM31 KTM Racing Team) remains the rider to beat, dominating the E2 class and holding a 28pt overall lead.

Wil Ruprecht (Shop Yamaha Off Road Racing Team) has been putting in the work between rounds, training in the sand to boost his pace. Andrew Wilksch (Beta Australia Enduro Team) returns off a strong podium performance and will look to keep that momentum going. Korey McMahon (DM31 KTM Racing Team) has been consistent all season and is poised to push further toward the front. Just 12pts separate second to sixth in the championship — it’s all to play for.

Milner ready to bring the fight in the sand. Image – Troy Pears

E1 class: the Battle for supremacy rekindled
After a slight dip in dominance, Jonte Reynders (DM31 KTM Racing Team) is determined to remind everyone why he led the E1 standings through the early rounds. With his trademark speed and precision, Reynders will be looking to stamp his authority back on the class.

Standing in his way is Cooper Sheidow (BLU CRU Yamaha), who made a major statement with his first win of the season in Tintinara. His performance proved he’s no longer just a podium regular — he’s now a genuine threat for the title.

Fellow Yamaha teammate Jett Yarnold is on a steady rise. With a podium finish under his belt from the last round, he has shown both the pace and confidence to battle up front.

Meanwhile, Fraser Higlett (BLU CRU Yamaha), a seasoned campaigner, proved in the cross-country format that he’s far from finished. His third-place finish at Tintinara has reignited his campaign and positioned him well for a late-season surge.

With multiple race winners and no clear runaway leader, E1 is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested classes as the championship heads into its second half.

Reynders eager to find the top step again. Image – Troy Pears

E2: Milner’s momentum vs rising pressure
There’s no denying that Milner has been in formidable form, racking up three straight wins and extending his E2 championship lead to 19pts. His ability to adapt across formats and terrain, especially in sandy conditions, has kept him ahead of the curve — but the pressure is mounting.

Ruprecht has spent the break laser-focused on improving his sand speed and efficiency. After a frustrating weekend at Tintinara, he’s more motivated than ever to return to winning ways and close the gap on Milner.

Wilksch has quietly and consistently racked up strong finishes. His recent results have kept him in striking distance and he remains a serious title contender with both the experience and stamina to go the distance.

William Dennett (Shop Yamaha Off Road Racing Team) delivered his strongest performance of the year at Tintinara, displaying impressive pace in the soft terrain — conditions that Casterton is likely to replicate. His upward trajectory makes him a serious dark horse this weekend.

Tom Buxton (Gas Gas Australia) also stepped up in South Australia, recording a personal best for the season. With his confidence high and his bike setup dialled, he’ll be looking to break into the podium conversation.

Milner looking to extend his lead in E2. Image – Troy Pears

E3: walking the tightrope
The E3 class continues to be a nail-biter, with momentum shifting at every round. Dickson made a huge leap in Tintinara, closing the championship gap to just 8pts. His sand skills could play a major role again this weekend as he eyes both race wins.

McMahon had a solid, but testing, South Australian campaign. Despite still banking good points, McMahon will be out to make a statement at Casterton and reassert himself as the rider to beat in E3.

Riley McGillivray (Husqvarna Australia) broke his streak of third-place finishes with a well-earned second in Round 5. His improvement has been steady and his confidence is building.

Elsewhere, Max Rikys and Josh Whitehead are locked in a season-long duel for top-five supremacy. Both riders are showing grit and consistency, pushing each other to new levels every round.

Dixon set to add more wins in 2025. Image – Troy Pears

EJ: the rising stars of off-road
The future of Australian enduro racing is on full display in the EJ class.

Kogan Lock (Beta) has been a benchmark of consistency, finishing inside the top two all season. While he still holds an 11pt lead in the standings, a pair of wins by Will McInnes at Tintinara has brought the pressure right to Lock’s door. With both riders capable of winning, the weekend could see a change at the top.

Fletcher Turner made a successful return to the podium in Round 6. If he can maintain that form, he could disrupt the Lock-McInnes dynamic.

Rising talents Thomas Porto and Oscar Harris each enjoyed career-best outings in South Australia. With confidence at an all-time high, both will be hunting for more than just top-five finishes — they want to stand on the box.

McInnes double victory last time out brings confidence. Image – Troy Pears

EW CLASS: Gardiner unshaken, but the chase heats up
Jessica Gardiner continues to be the gold standard in the Women’s (EW) category. Her double wins in South Australia only strengthened her grip on the championship, and it’s clear she’s not slowing down.

But Madi Simpson is not one to be counted out. A tough weekend at Tintinara has only fueled her desire to bounce back. Expect Simpson to come out swinging at Casterton in an attempt to close the points gap.

Ebony Nielsen remains in solid form, sitting comfortably in third with a strong round 6 showing. If she can take the next step, she could challenge the top two and shake up the standings.

Further back, Jade Chellas and Emelie Karlsson are peaking at the right time, both securing season-best results last round. With confidence building, either rider could play spoiler in the top-three battle this weekend.

Can Gardiner make it a double at Casterton? Image – Troy Pears

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