The Yamaha BLU CRU Aussie Flat Track Nationals delivered a huge night of racing at Griffith’s The Pines Speedway on October 11, with Brittaney O’Brien taking out the inaugural Pro Women championship and local teenager Billy Ryan becoming the youngest-ever Pro 450 round winner.
It was the first time the series had visited Griffith — and the first time both TT and Flat Track formats ran on the same day — giving fans a full-throttle double hit of racing action.
PRO WOMEN – O’BRIEN TAKES THE TITLE
Whitsundays-based Brittaney O’Brien sealed the first-ever Pro Women crown after finishing on the podium in every race, ultimately winning the title by 65 points over Matilda Heaton-New. Griffith local Lori Gow was the standout on the day, winning four of the five races to take the round win.
“I’d just like to thank everyone who’s supported me through all the rounds — the girls, parents, everyone. It’s really built my confidence,” said an emotional O’Brien, who also received a pair of Bunda Fine Jewels gold and diamond sprocket earrings valued at $2500.
Gow said she enjoyed the challenge of the combined TT and flat track format: “It was tough, but so much fun. The TT suits me well and the crowd was unreal.”
PRO 450 – RYAN MAKES HISTORY
Sixteen-year-old Billy Ryan went next level at his home track, taking two race wins to claim his first Pro 450 round victory — and become the youngest-ever winner in the class.
Ryan topped training partner and series leader Tom Armstrong, who fell while leading the third race, while former champ Mick Kirkness impressed on a wildcard entry, scoring a podium in race two. Local favourite Tom Herrick was strong all night, finishing third overall.
“I always go good at Griffith,” Ryan said. “It’s a real confidence booster to run with the top guys. The track crew nailed it — there were great passing opportunities, and I just waited for the old fellas to wear down before making my move!”
JUNIOR LITES & JUNIOR 85s
In a tight Junior Lites battle, Neiko Donovan (Husqvarna) edged rival Jed Fyffe (KTM) to take the Griffith win and a slim lead in the standings. Donovan said it was a testing day: “We started rough, changed a few things, then changed them back. It definitely put me through my paces.”
In Junior 85s, three different riders claimed race wins, but George Holmkvist (KTM) held strong to win the final race — and the round — ahead of Brody Ford. “I figured out my starts at the end and just built confidence from there,” Holmkvist said.
OTHER CLASSES
In Pro Twins, Corey Banks returned to competition on a Hyosung to win two of three races, while Sam Hollands continued his dominant run in Clubman Open, taking four wins to extend his series lead.
“I haven’t ridden one of these twins for fifteen years,” Banks said. “You’ve got to road-race it a bit — too much throttle and you’ll find out fast!”
The Griffith double-header was one of the most action-packed rounds of the series yet, with the Yamaha BLU CRU Aussie Flat Track Nationals next heading toward its final stretch with titles on the line and fresh rivalries heating up.
Round 5 Results
Pro 450
1 52 Billy Ryan
2 T18 Tom Armstrong
3 1 Thomas Herrick
SuperPole
Callan Butcher
Junior Lites
1 177 Neiko Donovan
2 23 Jed Fyffe
3 12 Lenny Duggan
Fastest Qualifier
Tahj Edwards
Junior 85s
1 231 George Holmkvist
2 107 Brody Ford
3 5 Hugo Holmes
Fastest Qualifier
Brody Ford
Clubman Open
1 122 Sam Hollands
2 91 Cooper Carnie
3 400 Rhys Irvin
Fastest Qualifier
Sam Hollands
Pro Women
1 33 Lori Gow
2 89 Tayla Street
3 333 Brittaney O’Brien
Fastest Qualifier
Lori Gow
Pro Twin
1 31 Corey Banks
2 666 Ashely Wilesmith
3 267 Ryan New
Fastest Qualifier
Ryan New
Photos: RBMotoLens
Rounds 6 and 7 will be held at Gunnedah, November 15-16. More info at: www.aftn.com.au
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