Our local riders are continuing to dominate the racing circuit this year with multiple Australian Off Road Championship podiums. After a year of travelling to four different states over six weekends, Danielle McDonald has claimed the Enduro Woman's championship in her rookie senior year. This is an outstanding achievement for the 17-year-old, who has won 10 out of the 12 rounds for the year. "I was absolutely thrilled, it definitely means the world to me to win my first EW (enduro Woman’s) title in my rookie year as I’m only one of the few to do it," Danielle said. Danielle also claimed third place in her ProMX championship debut, and was one of 10 athletes awarded a 2025 tier 2 Scholarship from Sport Australia Hall of Fame under the Scholarship and Mentoring Program backed by the Australian Sports Commission. Danielle will receive a $5000 sporting expenses grant as well as additional high-level support and guidance. Other 2025 Tier 2 scholarship holders include Paris Paralympics swimming dual gold and silver medalist Callum Simpson, boxing athlete Jacob Cassar, water polo athlete Kali-yah Taoso, biathlon athlete Noah Bradford, athletics athlete Isaac Beacraft, lifesaving athlete Jemma Hold, shooting athlete Molly Bretag, rowing athlete Sarah Marriott and squash athlete Madison Lyon. “It is such an honour to be part of the SAHOF and to work with an amazing group of sports people is so exciting," Danielle said. "To be recognised for my sporting achievements in this way is a great privilege and with SAHOF backing me I know I will achieve great things on and off the track.” McDonald follows in the footsteps of 2024 recipient Angus Grenfell, currently competing in the JuniorGP World Championship, and Jacob Roulstone who has been a rookie revelation in the 2024 Moto3 world title. Danielle now shifts her focus to the International Six Day Enduro in Sallida, Spain where she will be competing from October 14 to 19. "I am super excited to be heading to Spain in a few weeks to complete at this years ISDE, this will be my second year racing for team Australia and I’ll be racing alongside last years teammates Jess and Tayla. "We are looking super strong this year and hungrier more than ever for gold," Danielle said. Jade Chellas has also had a successful year on the track claiming the JG Victorian Off Roads Championship and second in the JG AORC in her last year of junior competition. "It’s been a year of just kicking round having fun on my dirt bike," Jade said. "Although finishing second in the AORC series, my highlight was winning the VORC series. "The racing in Vic is the best you can get and being able to do two hour plus cross countries in the most scenic of areas in Australia has been amazing! "I want to thank my brother, for all my mechanicals and mum and dad for the ride," Jade added. Jade will now age into EW and compete in her first senior year of racing next year. Dylan McDonald has also had some amazing results on the bike this year claiming third in the J4 AORC.
