Rounds three and four of the Yamaha Australian Enduro Championship presented by MXstore (AusEnduro) returns to the rolling hills of Dungog, NSW on April 11–12.

The championship heads back to the iconic venue for the first time in three years, a location that was last on the AusEnduro calendar in for 2023 title decider.

Riders will be met with cooler, dry conditions, but the challenge remains as demanding as ever. Fast, dusty open fields will blend into tight, technical wooded sections — terrain that will test even the most seasoned enduro racers in the country.

Adding another layer to the weekend, the Time Card Enduro format returns. For many of the developing riders, it will be a new experience, while the established front-runners know all too well the physical and mental toll this format demands across a full day of racing.

E1
After a commanding start in Roma, all eyes turn to Cooper Sheidow, who arrives in Dungog as the rider to beat.

Sheidow returns to a venue that holds strong memories, having wrapped up the championship at this location in 2023. While confidence is high, he’s well aware of the challenge ahead, particularly with the demands of the Time Card format.

Ready to take the fight to the leader, Deegan Graham showed exceptional speed at the opening round, immediately placing himself in title contention. Dungog presents a new challenge for Graham, who will be racing the venue for the first time.

He’s joined by a stacked field including Ryan Hayward, Stefan Granquist — who claimed class honours the last time the championship visited Dungog—and Maximus Purvis.

With E1 machinery featuring prominently in the Pro Enduro standings, expect this class to once again play a major role. A strong result in Dungog could prove pivotal in shaping the championship fight.

Cooper Shadow is ready for Dungog

E2
Wil Ruprecht set the benchmark in E2 at the opening round, delivering a dominant performance that saw him lead both the class and the Pro Enduro standings. Building on momentum from 2025, Ruprecht enters Dungog as the rider to beat, placing a strong emphasis on consistency.

“Consistency is key — lap to lap — to minimise mistakes,” he explained. “With the longer format, mental fatigue can creep in late in the day, so managing that will be critical.”

Jye Dickson showed steady progression in Roma as he adapted to his new team environment, building both speed and consistency. With positive memories of Dungog, he’s one to watch.

“I enjoyed Dungog last time we raced there,” he said. “The tests can be pretty technical with some fast grass tracks in the mix.”

Kogan Lock impressed on debut in E2, immediately proving he belongs at the front of the field. With a strong lead-in to the weekend, he’ll be looking to close the gap to the top step as he tackles both a new venue and the demanding format.

Jake Henderson and Will McInnes add further depth to what is shaping as one of the most competitive classes of the championship.

Can Wil Ruprecht repeat in Dungog?

E3
After a dominant performance in Roma, Korey McMahon arrives in Dungog as the benchmark in E3.

While class success remains a priority, his focus extends firmly toward the Pro Enduro crown — one of the ultimate goals for the season. With strong preparation between rounds, McMahon is confident heading into the weekend.

“Dungog has some awesome riding,” he said. “The hardpack surface can be tricky to read for traction, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Max Midwinter emerged as a serious contender in the opening round, finishing second and immediately placing himself in the championship fight. Despite having no prior experience with the Time Card format, he’s determined to embrace the challenge.

Broc Grabham, the quiet achiever of the class, returns after a strong third-place finish aboard the Stark Varg. Dungog will present a unique test for the electric machine, with the extended format pushing both rider and bike to their limits.

Korey McMahon is at the top of his game in 2026

EW
Jessica Gardiner delivered a standout performance in Roma, once again reinforcing her status as the benchmark in EW.

Dungog provides another opportunity for Gardiner to showcase the depth of her skillset across a vastly different terrain and format.

Madi Simpson has wasted no time between rounds, lining up in ProMX competition as part of her preparation. After a solid start to the season, she sits second in the championship and is determined to continue her push toward the front.

Emelie Granquist demonstrated impressive consistency in Roma, placing herself firmly in the championship battle. Alongside Emi Ruprecht and Madison Healey, the EW class is shaping into a fiercely competitive contest, with multiple riders capable of challenging for podium honours in Dungog.

Jess Gardiner determined for another round win

EJ
The EJ class delivered in Roma, with the opportunity for a new contender seized by Mason Phillips in a highly competitive field.

With emerging names such as Marcus Nowland and Kai Austin stepping forward, alongside established contenders Beau Tripcony, Oscar Harris and Bjorn Cardenas, the class is building serious momentum.

As the championship begins to take shape, Dungog presents a crucial turning point. A strong result here could define the trajectory of the title fight, with the EJ battle only just beginning to heat up.

Mason Phillips will aim to make it two in a row

To stand on the top step at the conclusion of rounds three and four, every rider will be pushed to their limits — mentally and physically.

The return to Dungog, combined with the demands of the Time Card Enduro format, sets the stage for a weekend that will be as punishing as it is exciting.

Only the best will rise to the challenge.

Images: Troy Pears