Racing News |
Champions Crowned in Gympie
Competition sizzled as the Australian Enduro Championship rolled into Gympie for the season
finale. Scorching heat and zero moisture made for a brutal weekend of racing for Empire
Motorsport riders Will Price and Nate Munro. After a travelling over 15,000 kilometres, chasing
national glory across four states, the twelve round series would finally come to a close in the
sweltering Queensland bush.
Will recapped “Today was a good day for me, the bike was awesome and I was right in the mix.
I enjoyed the tight and technical side of today’s track and felt like the KX250X excelled in these
conditions. Unfortunately I had a good crash in the final test but overall it was a great day.”
The battles were raging in the E1 class as Will Price was set to complete his thirteenth consecutive
season of AEC. Fifth position was separated by one point heading into round eleven and Price
pushed the limits of his KX250X to fight for vital seconds in each test. The trees were narrow and
the dusty ruts never ended, making a different style of race track from previous rounds. Price
posted blistering sprint times as the twenty four year old rode to a respectful top twenty overall
finish.
Competition has been fierce all season and it was Nate Munro in the hot seat, with one goal,
become an Australian Champion. Coming into the final round with a healthy points lead, fifteen
year old Munro once again showcased his phenomenal speed and consistency at round eleven.
The extremely dry and dusty conditions were not favourable however Nate showed his maturity as
he remained composed amongst his competitors to take home the 2025 AEC J3 Championship.
“Had a slow start to Round 11 but pretty happy to have wrapped up he championship a day
early. Thanks to everyone who made this year possible.” - Nate Munro
Round twelve was another dust bowl. A new track and new challenges kept the riders on their toes.
After clinching his title yesterday, Munro still charged aboard his KX250X, demonstrating why he is
the worthy J3 champion. In the Pro ranks, Price had a tough day, struggling to find his flow in the
hot, dry and rocky conditions, narrowly missing the top twenty for round twelve.
Team manager Stel exclaimed “Unreal! It is bittersweet as it has been a big year and stoked the boys got through the season without any major injuries. To win a Junior Championship is a special moment for the program and Kawasaki. Also a massive congrats to Will, 13 years into AEC now and he rode unbelievable in a really tough class. Massive thank you to everyone in the program and everyone who makes it happen. Stoked to finish on high.”
It has been a hard fought season for Empire Motorsports riders Will Price and Nate Munro.
Highlighted by Munro’s J3 championship win, numerous race podium positions and Will claiming a
podium finish in the highly competitive E1 class. It has been a successful year for the green team
and one to be remembered highly for years to come!