Jay Marmont will have the red plate on once again at Raymond Terrace this weekend.

CDR Rockstar Yamaha’s reigning Pro Open MX Nationals Champion Jay Marmont regained the red plate to signify his status as 2010 championship leader at the the Toowoomba round in Queensland, heading to a familiar circuit in Raymond Terrace looking to extend his lead this weekend.

Marmont currently leads the series by 13 points over Tye Simmonds and is confident that he can extend that lead at the New South Wales-based circuit on Sunday.

“It is a 24-race championship, but with the level of competition this year, every race matters,” Marmont explained. “I have been consistent at the opening rounds, but I feel it’s time to nail down some race wins and get some big points on the board.

“I have done plenty of laps around the Raymond Terrace track both as a Junior and a professional and it holds good memories for me. My preparation has been good and I am good to go this weekend.”

Teammate Cheyne Boyd currently lies in sixth place in the championship standings, but comes off his best finish for the season at the Toowoomba round. Boyd is looking to continue his progress up the points ladder and like Marmont is ready to take it to his competitors this weekend.

“The middle of the season is where championships are won and lost. With each round I have been getting better and the results have improved, so I expect that to continue this weekend,” the Victorian said. “I am chasing race wins and a podium finish to get myself right back in the championship hunt.”

Yamaha’s factory Serco Pro Lites team of Kirk Gibbs and Ford Dale will be looking to convert their speed into an overall victory for the team this weekend, following an inconsistent outing at Toowoomba last time out.

For Gibbs, the Raymond Terrace circuit has fond memories as it was the venue for his first ever professional round win taking a 1-1 finish in 2008. Gibbs is currently second in the Pro Lites and would like nothing more than to repeat his 2008 performance to boost himself towards the top step of the podium.

“I am a huge fan of the Raymond Terrace track,” he said. “I like the hard pack surface, the ruts the track forms and the layout really suits my style. I have put in a couple of good weeks on the training track and feel confident heading into this weekend.”

Dale is currently fifth in the standings and says it’s all about winning motos at this point in the season.

“I have just been following my routine since the last round and feel great on the bike,” the Queenslander commented. “The team has made a few gains with the bike in testing and we expect to put that to the test this weekend. I just need to stay focused on the track and the results will come.”

Yamaha’s GYTR/Yamalube/Rockstar Energy-backed Under 19s team found some form at the previous round with Harley Quinlan taking second place overall for the round in Queensland. Teammate Ross Beaton also put in spirited rides to finish in fifth for the round. Both riders have taken plenty of confidence from the event and look to put it into practice this weekend at Raymond Terrace.

“My arm is back to 100 percent and I feel my racing is getting back where it needs to be,” Quinlan said. “I have done a couple of local races in Queensland since the last race and feel better on the bike with every ride. The team has also made some changes to my suspension and we have the bike working exactly how I want it.”