2024 Australian Hard Enduro title for Anthony Solar and Sherco

2024 Australian Hard Enduro Championship final round, the HillStorm Challenge – Ruben Chadwick wins but second is enough for Anthony Solar to take the title for Sherco Australia’s Hard Enduro Team.

Held in Hillston, NSW, the final round of the 2024 AHEC was always going to be a decisive one. Anthony Solar arrived at the HillStorm Challenge with a 90-point lead over series rival Ruben Chadwick and in a high points scoring series format (750 for the win), that could easily be swallowed up.  

The strong field of 235 riders faced a unique race format at the HillStorm too. Instead of the two-day schedule, this final round ran a single, point-to-point race on Saturday, with riders starting in order of their championship points standings and a race time extended by two hours to a gruelling six-hours.

Solar set off from the front and maintained through the early checkpoints with Chadwick close behind, pushing hard, with regular front-runner Wade Ibrahim also not far behind.

Mid-race, Chadwick passed for the lead with both riders knowing the championship was at stake. Solar strategically decided to ride smart behind his main rival and secure the overall victory.

Chadwick grabbed the final round win in just over three hours and the maximum 750 points for the weekend. But second place, and 675 points was enough for Solar to clinch his second premier class title by a very narrow 15 points.

“What a season!” Says Solar. “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’s 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.

“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.

“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.”

That’s it for the 2024 Australian Hard Enduro Championship. Riders will next race in the prestigious Wildwood Rock Extreme Enduro on November 10.

More information: www.hardenduro.com.au

Photo Credit: OK Photo