Mitch Norris is looking at a podium result this weekend at Goanna Tracks. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Axis Motorsports Kawasaki is determined to make amends for a disappointing start to the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals when the series continues this weekend at Coonabarabran in NSW.

Now focusing on the MXD (formerly Under 19s) as Kawasaki’s official development squad, a clutch issue saw Ben George ruled out of a qualifying position at Conondale’s opener, while teammate Mitch Norris rode to 9-12-2 results for seventh overall.

The clutch issue, followed by transponder confusion, saw George finally back on track for the final moto, where he would charge to an impressive fifth position.

“We had a testing day, however we now know we are in the hunt for race wins,” team owner Andrew Hopson reflected. “Coming into this race we knew we had a great package, and are confident of lifting our game come round two.”

George is focused on a return to the front this weekend, hoping to reclaim vital points in the title chase.

“I am obviously dissapointed with our result in round one,” he admitted. “I will definitely be letting everyone know I mean business this weekend.”

As for Norris, he’s now set his sights on the podium after showing promising form in the final moto at Conondale.

“I was expecting a much better result in the first two back-to-back motos,” he said. “I had a chat to Jesse my mechanic and he suggested a different gate pick and more aggression in the first turn.

“I took this on board and we were rewarded with a second in the last moto.”