Cheyne Boyd is mixing it up with the rising stars of MX2 upon return to the class. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

DPH Motorsport Honda Racing’s Cheyne Boyd is certain that he belongs at the front of the MX2 field in the Monster Energy MX Nationals, following a positive step forward at Coonabarabran last weekend.

Boyd finished fourth overall for the round, just one point shy of the podium, and takes a lot of confidence from the round.

“Qualifying third was a good start to the weekend for me and the team, we have all worked extremely hard the last couple of weeks and we know we belong at the front of the field,” Boyd said.

“In moto one my start was terrible and I didn’t put myself in good positions on the first lap, which hurt me all race. Finishing ninth is frustrating and know I can do better.

“Moto two again I had a bad start, but really pushed to get myself in a position where I wasn’t following a lot of riders. I made passes and started picking riders off, I moved into second where I pushed to the finish.

“I was pumped with that result still first would be great but it was a start.”

The third and final moto saw Boyd locked in a dog fight with two of the MX2 title favourites in Kirk Gibbs and Ford Dale, narrowly trailing them home for fourth after a better start.

“The third moto was the best start I’d had got all day and after a couple of laps and passing some riders I was in third,” he continued. “I tried hard to pass Gibbs and pushed the whole way with Ford right behind me the whole time.

“One mistake on the second last lap cost me third, ending up finishing in fourth in the moto and fourth overall. Overall it was a big improvement from round one, I was happy with the result but know we can do better.

“For me, starts are my biggest down fall at the moment I think if I can get better starts I will be able to challenge for wins. I know Brad [Macalpine] and the team will keep working hard over the next few weeks and so will I.

“I’m looking forward to the softer tracks and will not stop pushing until we are on the top spot of the podium.”

Boyd will have a home state advantage when the series continues at Wonthaggi in Victoria on 28-29 April.