The Motul Sherco Hard Enduro team kicked off the 2024 Australian Hard Enduro Championship in spectacular fashion with team rider Anthony Solar delivering back-to-back victories in the prologue and main race, respectively at the Kosciuszko Killer series opener. Over 300 competitors across various classes battled challenging conditions, with Solar showcasing his dominance amidst the mud-soaked course.
In Saturday’s prologue sprint races, Solar faced adversity after an early incident buried him in the pack. Undeterred, he mounted a remarkable charge, clawing back from a two-minute deficit to not only catch up to leader Ruben Chadwick but also overtake him and secure the victory by over 40 seconds. Teammate Chris Perry also displayed resilience, overcoming a strong blow to his left arm during a challenging hill climb to finish 7th overall and post the third-fastest lap time in the process.
Sunday’s main 4-hour race saw Solar further assert his dominance, building a commanding lead of over 10 minutes by the end of the first lap. Despite the slick and challenging conditions, Solar navigated through the treacherous “Tangles” exclusive Gold-class challenge, securing victory with only two laps completed in this year’s race, cementing his first win since last year’s ‘Mother of Mayhem’ event.
“I’m stoked to get the double victories this weekend,” said Solar. “I wasn’t happy with my results for most of last year, and I’ve put in a massive off-season to be the best prepared I can be this season, so it’s great to reap the rewards from the hard work. The Sherco 300 was unbelievable all weekend; Chad’s Off-Road suspension was like riding a magic carpet, coupled with the game-changing Metzeler tyres, had me getting traction where others couldn’t! A massive thank you to the team and all of our sponsors. I couldn’t do it without them, and I look forward to carrying this momentum into Bathurst.”
Despite early race woes, Perry fought admirably, securing 5th place by the race’s end. “Man, it was good to be back racing my bike,” said Perry. “I became a father for the first time during the offseason, so my bike time has been limited in the lead-up to this one, but it was good to see everyone riding so well. The level has certainly increased this year; it will be an epic season. I’m looking forward to the Goldfields race and hopefully putting the #76 on the box.”
The Motul Sherco Hard Enduro team now sets its sights on the next challenge as they prepare for the ‘Goldfields Extreme’ event in Wattle Flat, just 25 minutes from the iconic motorsport town Bathurst in NSW, on May 11-12.
For more information on the championship, visit www.hardenduro.com.au
2024 AHEC – Rd 1 ‘Kosciuszko Killer’ Top 5 – Gold Class
- Anthony Solar (Sherco)
- Ruben Chadwick
- Wade Ibrahim
- Robert Nowak
- Chris Perry (Sherco)
