It was redemption for Jarryd Oram as he earned the victory in the Akubra Classic on Sunday.
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The 27-year-old found himself in the same position he was in last year, as he held a comfortable lead in the final of the prestigious race in Kempsey.
In 2017, Jarryd attempted to cruise to the finish line but it came back to haunt him as rival Mick Kirkness overtook him on the final lap, but it was a different story this time as he held on for a comfortable victory.
It was an even more impressive victory when considering what Jarryd went through to enter the Akubra Classic.
Jarryd had a bad accident and was knocked unconscious and suffered seizures at the Australian Titles two months ago.
The former Frederickton resident hadn’t been on a bike since and only received official clearance to compete last Friday.
It made the victory all the more sweeter for Jarryd.
“After last year’s result and after the crash at Aussies, it definitely made the win more special,” Jarryd told the Argus.
“It took me a couple of heats to get my confidence back but after lunch I was feeling really good again.”
Jarryd entered the first corner of the Akubra Classic final in third position but came out in first and managed to hold the lead for the remainder of the race.
“I got a bit of a slow start but once I got out in the lead I was able to pull away from the group,” Jarryd said.
“They were challenging each other so I was able to take it a bit easier but still keep my distance from them.
“I kept my ear out listening for anyone closing in on me, I was going to let a repeat of last year happen again.”
The victory is Jarryd’s second at the Akubra Classic, he has also finished second once and third five times.
Last year’s winner Michael Kirness finished in second place while Marty McNamara rounded out the top three.
Jarryd also finished in first position in the Pro 450cc, beating out local rival James Chapman.
“Young James was on my back wheel for pretty much the whole final,” Jarryd said.
Chapman earned a victory in the Pro 250 while local riders Michael Booth and Sam Davies finished in second and third position respectively.
Booth claimed first in the Over 40’s while Jamie Oram finished in second position.
Jayden Holder and Jarred Loveday both claimed wins in the junior classes with host club members claiming podium positions in all junior classes
on the day including a perfect podium finish for Macleay riders in the 125-150cc two stroke class.
The Akubra Classic Sidecar race was won by Daryl Woodhead and Shaun Fuller from the Gunnedah MCC.
Macleay District Motorcycle Club president Trent O’Donnell was ecstatic with the success of the event, which saw more than 90 of Australia’s best senior and junior dirt track riders compete in front of more than 500 people.
“As a club we couldn’t be happier with the event from the level of racing and competition on the day, the support we receive from the community to run the event from the sponsors, the number of spectators and the volunteers that donate their time to make an event like this happen. You’d be hard pressed to find a club or an event that draws a crowd like the Akubra Classic, it’s a special event,” O’Donnell said.
“I must thank the key officials on the day we were lucky enough to have three of the sports very best for the event in Lyndel Butler, Keith Davies and Denise Dall, who worked seamlessly with our club members and volunteers to ensure we could complete the huge task of running 92 races plus practice on the day. Their knowledge and commitment to the sport is unparalleled.”
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