Herrick Claims Second Yamaha Blu Cru Aussie Flat Track Nationals Championship Ring

Thomas Herrick is now a two-time Pro 450 Yamaha Blu Cru Aussie Flat Track Nationals champion, securing the coveted Bunda Fine Jewels trophy ring on Sunday, 16 November at Gunnedah’s Balcary Park.

Herrick wrapped up the title with a calculated fifth-place finish on a day dominated by Cameron Dunker, the ASBK Superbike star from Kurri who was unbeatable as he topped Superpole and won every race.

In Junior Lites, Jed Fyffe claimed the title with third for the round while chief rival Neiko Donovan took the TT win ahead of Sam Drane. Beau Baker rediscovered his form to lock up the Junior 85s championship, though it was Flynn Beard who claimed his second TT round victory of the season. Sam Hollands continued his commanding run in Clubman Open, securing both the round and the overall title. Dunker’s dominant Pro 450 round win capped off a standout season for Townsville-based Franko’s Race Shop, which also prepared the championship-winning bikes for Fyffe and Baker.

Round 7 at the Gunnedah TT track saw Cameron Dunker emerge undefeated with four commanding victories, beating home local favourite Daniel Wicks and consistently running clear of experienced flat tracker Michael Kirkness. With the championship firmly in focus, Herrick carried a comfortable points lead over Wicks, while the atmosphere in the pits lifted when news came through that former points leader Tom Armstrong—injured in a heavy crash the previous day—had improved overnight.

Dunker opened the day two seconds ahead of Kirkness in Race 1, stretched the margin to three seconds over Wicks in Race 2, then lifted again for a five-second win in Race 3 before finishing the day with another strong ride to beat rising talent Cooper Archibald in the final moto. Dunker’s speed was the standout of the round, while Herrick rode four smart, measured races to finish fifth and secure his second Pro 450 crown.

Reflecting on the season, Herrick said the year had been a grind but immensely rewarding, explaining, “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. 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. I think if it wasn’t for Tommy Armstrong having an unfortunate crash yesterday things might be different. Big shout-out to him, he’s been riding awesome and he’s a great mate, I hope he heals up ok.” He also thanked his father Darren, partner Zoe and the Davies Motorcycles team, adding that “maybe a three-peat” was on the cards next year.

Dunker was thrilled with his flawless TT round performance and said, “Today was nothing short of perfect for me, really! 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. Also, the guys prepping the track they did an incredible job all weekend and to be on tracks like this definitely creates great racing. Big thanks also to Dave for running an amazing series. I look forward to coming back next year and seeing if we can go a few places better.”

Saturday’s flat track results had already set Jed Fyffe up strongly for the Junior Lites championship, and he eventually secured the title by 40 points over TT round winner Neiko Donovan. Fyffe said the victory “feels awesome,” adding, “We’ve worked hard for this but I’ve been consistent. I’ve been training all week, every week, going out riding and making sure I get enough bike time. Neiko rode well all year and made it tough for me, but we got there in the end.” Donovan and Drane shared two wins each, with Fyffe on the podium in every race to cap a season-long rivalry.

In Junior 85s, Beau Baker took third at the TT round to wrap up the title by 101 points, admitting, “I don’t feel like I rode my best this year, but it does feel good to finish off 85s with an Aussie title. I struggled on oil at Griffith so I knew this weekend would be challenging but I managed to get enough points up to keep my lead.” Beard claimed the round win with two race victories, while Brody Ford and Lucy Heaton-New also took wins on the TT track.

Sam Hollands sealed the Clubman Open title with second place on the TT track, continuing his impressive return to racing. He admitted he never expected to contend for a championship, saying, “It’s been a good year, but I didn’t think I was going to get on the podium, let alone win it! I was talking to Tom Armstrong before the first round and I said I’d be happy with a top five. I’d like to thank my mum and dad, Nathan Reece and also Tom. We were riding nearly every weekend back home… I’m really glad to hear he is going to be alright. Like Tom, I didn’t race for twelve years and I hadn’t raced on a 450. We’ll definitely come back next year and go up a class.” Rhys Irvin and Cooper Carnie were strong performers too, with Irvin taking every Clubman Open race win on Sunday.

Series organiser Dave Maddock said he was relieved to share the positive update on Armstrong’s condition, explaining, “Firstly, I’m relieved to say that Tom Armstrong’s injuries, while serious, aren’t as bad as we initially feared. It was a heavy crash but it looks like he will be able to make a gradual recovery.” Maddock praised Herrick’s championship run, Donovan and Fyffe’s rivalry, Baker’s Sunday rebound, and the rapid progress of Lucy Heaton-New, Rhys Irvin and young gun Cooper Carnie. He also thanked the clubs and volunteers who ensured a successful season, adding that planning for 2026 is already well underway with dates and locations set to remain similar.

The Yamaha Blu Cru Aussie Flat Track Nationals organisers thanked all supporters, clubs, volunteers and competitors for making 2025 another successful year of flat track racing, and said they look forward to seeing everyone again in 2026.