May 09, 2024

Podium result for Empire Kawasaki at Mount Misery AORC RND 3 & 4

Empire Motorsports Kawasaki riders Beau Ralston and Will Price were back in action at Mount Misery, Victoria, for rounds three and four of the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC).

The picturesque landscape of Mount Misery provided picturesque views and a very challenging course for all competitors. Faced with steep mountain sections, slick granite boulders, loamy bracken sections and an abundance of rocks, it was a treat for record breaking 462 competitors.

Empire Motorsports Kawasaki had three riders competing over the weekend, their two premier riders Beau Ralston and Will Price, along with the exceptionally talented Ryan Shadbolt, who will be competing in the Victorian Off-Road Championship, GNCC Australia and the Hattah Deser Race for 2024.

Team Manager - Stelios Liakopoulos

"This weekend was a big step in the right direction for the team and both riders. We have spent the last few weeks further developing the new 2024 KX450X with Beau Ralston and we have made some good progress with the set up. Although the results don't quite show our progression due to Beau obtaining a rib injury early on day one, he battled through with some impressive results that included a top ten Outright finish on day one despite the set back.

Day one for Will Price started slow as he overcome some personal demons, but the weekend finished on a massive high with Will landing on the podium in E1 only seven months after a near career ending injury on the very same track. I couldn't be more proud of our team this weekend and I feel like we are only just scratching the surface of what's to come and I'm excited for it."

The Riders Stories

E1 Rider - Will Price

Returning back to the location where he incurred his major neck and spinal injury in late 2023, it was overwhelming for Will Price in the early stages of the weekend. The 23 year old struggled to feel comfortable throughout round three but with the support of his team he was able to regroup and finish the day in 5th position.

"I couldn't shake it from my subconscious mind. Being back in the same place it all went pear shaped seven moths ago was very challenging to overcome and unfortunately I rode very tight and nervous on Saturday."

A new mindset and new challenge at round four saw Price rise to the occasion. Improving his pace every lap, he climbed up the leaderboard to earn himself his first podium of 2024 in the E1 Category aboard his KX250X machine.

"Sunday I tried to relax and not override the technical terrain. Mick and Stel gave me great advice and I gained the confidence back. We made a few positive bike changes and the result showed. It was an emotional afternoon standing back on the box again."

E2 Rider - Beau Ralston

It was a challenging weekend for Beau Ralston as he battled through a rib injury he sustained early on Saturday morning. Getting impaled by a branch, Ralston gritted his teeth and pushed through the remainder of the weekend.

"They were really tough and technical tracks at Mt Misery over the weekend. It was pretty frustrating to hurt myself on the Saturday because I was feeling pretty good and comfortable."

Despite not feeling in optimum health, Beau still charging on each test, placing his KX450X inside the top 10 on numerous occasions. It was a hard fought weekend however many positive steps forward were achieved and Beau is looking forward to showing his full potential at Edenhope.

"The rest of the weekend was abit of a struggle riding in a bit of pain. I was happy to tough it out and finish with some ok results getting 4th and 5th in E2. My KX450X was awesome too, the team and On Point suspension have my race nike dialled."

What's Next?

Results

Empire Motorsport Kawasaki riders Beau Ralston and Will Price continued to climb the leaderboard, mounted on their Kawasaki machines at round three and four. Both riders are focused to keep building and refining their skills leading into the next round. Rounds 5 and 6 return back to Victoria on May 18-19 at Edenhope, Victoria on April 20-21.

E1 Round 3 Results

1. Kyron Bacon 2. Korey McMahon 3. Tom Buxton 5. Will Price (Empire Kawasaki)

E2 Round 3 Results

1. Daniel Milner 2. Andrew Wilksch 3. Will Dennet 4. Beau Ralston (Empire Kawasaki)

E1 Round 4 Results

1. Korey McMahon 2. Tom Buxton 3. Will Price (Empire Kawasaki)

E2 Round 4 Results

1. Daniel Milner 2. Jonte Reynders 3. Will Dennet 5. Beau Ralston (Empire Kawasaki)