Team Husqvarna Husky Chix Rider Ashlea Bates almost had the perfect day at the final round of The 2008 Yamaha Australian Women’s Motocross Championships which was held at Lake Macquarie N.S.W. under glorious sunny conditions.

Ashlea Bates was in total focus mode knowing there was no room for error with current world champion Katherine Prumm not showing up at the final event, and leaving the door open for an Australian Woman to take out the championship.

Ashlea’s adrenalin was pumping as she prepared for the first Moto.

In race one Ashlea stormed into the lead. Her TC250 Husqvarna powered away from all the other riders and kept all teams and spectators biting their nails.

Ashlea had a 10 second gap in front of Adelia Barton and almost 20 second gap in front of Kristy Gillespie. Setting the fastest lap time of 2.11.36 in the process.

In the final lap with no detection of error, Ashlea came to a complete Holt. Unfortunately her bike had an electrical problem that blew her championship out the door.

In race 2 the young 17 year old coming to terms with what had just happened put her professional talent back into focus.

Having a DNF, Ashlea had the worst start gate but still managed to take off coming into first corner in second position. With Gillespie feeling confident, Bates stayed right behind her. The whole race people watched as the two girls stormed away from the rest of the pack. Bates pulled the fastest time of 2.10.25 for the day but it wasn’t enough to fix the day’s results.

This has been the most emotional day for me, my team and my family. A lot of effort and work had gone in and it was quite emotional to have so many people surrounding me with empathy. But as they say that’s Racing. Kristy has had a lot of bad luck in the years and this year was my turn. " said Bates.

Husqvarna would like to take this opportunity to thank all sponsors, Ashlea’s personal sponsors and Kevin Williams Event management.

Overall Championship Results

1st Kristy Gillespie KTM 129

2nd Adelia Barton Honda 109

3rd Katherine Prumm Yamaha 100

4th Ashlea Bates Husqvarna (Husky Chix) 96