Bonalbo rider Riley Crimmins, 16, takes home gong in Australian Off-Road Championship at Dungog

Inspiring teen racer Riley Crimmins has taken out a top gong in the Australian Off-Road Championship, shaking off a broken collarbone and other challenges. Here’s his story.

Riley Crimmins has won the Australian Off-Road Championship (J4 Class) after competing in 10 Rounds of racing (sprint and enduro formats) throughout the various States of Australia during 2023.

Northern Rivers teenage racing sensation Riley Crimmins has taken out the top gong in his class in the Australian Off-Road Championship.

The Bonalbo Central year 11 student riding aboard his KTM SX-F250 overcame a broken collarbone and mechanical hurdles to win the Dungog event in the Hunter.

Riley, 16, won six of the first eight rounds, giving him a five-point lead going into the final two rounds at Dungog on October 14-15.

In the final round, Riley fought tooth and nail and won by a landslide victory in J4, creating a whopping lead of nearly a minute to claim gold in a field of more than 70 riders.

Riley Crimmins in action.

Riley has been celebrating an “awesome year” behind the handle bars.

“It feels amazing to be in this position,” he said.

Dad Matt Crimmins said he also raced as a young man and Riley was following in his footsteps.

“Riley really knows where he has to be on a bike,” he said.

“He has overcome various challenges throughout the year, including a broken collarbone and major mechanical issues.

“Regardless of the challenges, he charged ahead with perseverance and tenacity.”

Mr Crimmins said Riley has even been racking up a solid fan base, likely due to his humble and kind nature, with some of the biggest supporters in Armidale and Kyogle Motorcycle Club.

Riley Crimmins of Bonalbo on the move.

Riley, who has grown up in the region, started riding before he turned two and spent his youth aboard dirt bikes on family farms at Coraki and Tunglebung, near Bonalbo.

“His favourite local training ground is at Rover Park Campgrounds located at Sandy Hill near Tenterfield,” Mr Crimmins said.

Bonalbo Central School year 11 student Riley Crimmins won the junior Australian Off-Road Championship.

Riley competes alongside older brother Cody, 19, and younger sibling Jack, 11, and the Crimmins boys regularly place in the top three in state level competitions.

Mr Crimmins gave a shout out to a Northern Rivers business which has backed the boys.

“Ballina Motorcycles have gotten us out of a pinch a few times over the series,” he explained.

“Without that support we’d have been stuck.”

Riley will now move into the seniors ranks for the upcoming 2024 racing season.