The Motul Sherco Hard Enduro team delivered a stellar performance via Anthony Solar at the fourth and final round of the 2024 Australian Hard Enduro Championship (AHEC), the ‘HillStorm Challenge.’ Held in Hillston, NSW, this decisive round saw team rider Anthony Solar secure his second national hard enduro championship in a thrilling point-to-point brawl.
Entering the championship-deciding round with a 90-point lead over series rival Ruben Chadwick, Solar and the field of 235 riders faced a unique race format. Unlike the usual two-day event with a Saturday prologue and Sunday main race, this round featured a single point-to-point race on Saturday, with riders starting in order of their championship points standings. The allocated race time was extended by two hours, making it a gruelling six-hour challenge.
Solar set off from the front and immediately set a blistering pace through the early checkpoints. Chadwick, close behind, pushed hard, with regular front-runner Wade Ibrahim not far off the pace. Mid-race, Chadwick managed to pass Solar for the lead. Knowing the championship was at stake, Solar strategically decided to ride smart and secure the overall victory. He brought his Sherco 300 SE Factory home in second place in just over three hours, clinching his second premier class title.
Reflecting on his season, Solar said, “What a season! It’s been incredibly close all year between Ruben and me. I feel that we stepped up the level between us two and Wade, which is great for hard enduro racing in Australia as the discipline grows from strength to strength. While it has been one of the most intense seasons on and off the racetrack, I can honestly say it has also been one of the most enjoyable with some of the battles Ruben and I have had. I started racing for fun and am fortunate to still enjoy it as much today as when I started. The Motul Sherco team and I have put a crazy amount of work into this, and to come away with the ultimate reward for our efforts is very gratifying. After falling short last year, I said I’d back myself to get the title back in the blue camp. They (Sherco) believed in me, and we got it done. I’m stoked for all the great people in my corner who have helped make this possible.”
Team Manager Derek Grundy added, “We’re very proud of Anthony’s achievements. He knew he needed to elevate to the next level, and he put in the work to put himself in the position he is in today, now a two-time national champion, with this one being all the sweeter and officially recognised by Motorcycling Australia. While our racing program has been around for quite some time, our hard enduro program is only in its second year, so it’s a great reward for all the people and companies involved who have supported the team from the outset to be recognised as champions.”
Teammate Chris Perry also put on a solid charge, finishing fourth in the race and fourth in the championship standings. “It’s a real credit to Anthony, Ruben, and Wade for how much they have stepped up this year. The level these guys are riding on now is really impressive, and it shows on the world stage, where these blokes have achieved some of the best-ever results for Australian riders. I’m stoked for Anthony and the Sherco team to get the championship back off Beta. Our bike is amazing, and I’ve loved every second of racing my Sherco this year. I look forward to finishing the year on a high at Wildwood in a few months.”
With the Australian Hard Enduro Championship concluded for 2024, the nation’s best riders will next converge on Victoria for the prestigious Wildwood Rock Extreme Enduro on November 10th.
2024 AHEC – Rd 4 ‘Hillstorm Challenge’ Top 5 – Gold Class
- Ruben Chadwick
- Anthony Solar (SHERCO)
- Wade Ibrahim
- Chris Perry (SHERCO)
- Kogan Lock
2024 AHEC – Gold Class Championship – Top 5
- Anthony Solar (SHERCO)
- Ruben Chadwick
- Wade Ibrahim
- Chris Perry (SHERCO)
- Jon Gatt
