A huge crowd returned to Gunnedah’s Balcary Park on Sunday for the final day of the Yamaha BLU CRU Aussie Flat Track Nationals, where Thomas Herrick claimed his second Pro 450 championship ring despite a dominant clean sweep of the round by Yamaha’s Cameron Dunker.
Herrick finished fifth for the round but carried enough points into the TT layout finale to secure the coveted Bunda Fine Jewels trophy ring. The victory came after a long and demanding season that included interstate travel and even a trip to America for the two-time champion.
“The year didn’t start out too well at Maryborough, but then to carry through all these rounds plus a trip to America, it has been a long season and I’m grateful to finish on top,” Herrick said.
“Yesterday I was really happy with the way I rode…today I didn’t feel like I had enough in me but we made it work in the end and got the job done.”
He also acknowledged the absence of close friend and former points leader Tom Armstrong, who was injured in a heavy crash the previous day.
“I think if it wasn’t for Tommy Armstrong having an unfortunate crash yesterday things might be different. Big shoutout to him, he’s been riding awesome and he’s a great mate, I hope he heals up ok.”
Despite overnight rain, Gunnedah Motorcycle Club volunteers worked quickly to prepare the track and racing got underway under clearer skies. News that Armstrong’s condition had improved lifted spirits in the paddock.
But the day belonged to Dunker. The Kurri Kurri rider was untouchable, securing Superpole and winning all four Pro 450 races with increasing margins. After beating out Michael Kirkness by two seconds in the opener, Dunker extended the gap to three seconds over Daniel Wicks in race two, before a five-second buffer over Kirkness in race three and a final race win ahead of rising star Cooper Archibald.
“Today was nothing short of perfect for me, really,” Dunker said.
“Superpole and four race wins which is pretty cool, that’s the first time I’ve ever done that in flat track. I can’t thank Franko, Adam and Fyffey enough for getting this bike set up awesome.”
The flawless performance capped off a strong season for Townsville-based Franko’s Race Shop, whose bikes also carried Junior Lites champion Jed Fyffe and Junior 85s champion Beau Baker to their titles.
Fyffe secured the Junior Lites crown with a solid third place on the TT track, finishing 40 points ahead of round winner Neiko Donovan.
“It feels awesome,” Fyffe said. “We’ve worked hard for this but I’ve been consistent.”
In Junior 85s, Baker recovered strongly from Saturday’s struggles on the oil track to lock in the title, with Flynn Beard taking the round win.
“I don’t feel like I rode my best this year, but it does feel good to finish off 85s with an Aussie title,” Baker said.
Clubman Open standout Sam Hollands capped his exceptional return to racing with the series win, finishing second on the day behind Rhys Irvin.
“It’s been a good year but I didn’t think I was going to get on the podium, let alone win it,” Hollands said.
Series organiser Dave Maddock praised competitors and clubs for delivering one of the strongest seasons yet.
“The racing certainly didn’t disappoint and I’d like to offer some huge congratulations to Tom Herrick on winning his second ring,” Maddock said. He also praised the emerging talent across all classes and the dedicated clubs that kept the series running through challenging weather.
With planning for the 2026 season already underway, organisers say riders and fans can expect a similar calendar next year, with more details to be announced soon.
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