Matt Moss returned at High Point and claimed 17th overall. Image: Simon Cudby.

JDR/J-Star/KTM team manager Nathan Ramsey is confident that Australian Matt Moss will continue to gain momentum in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship as the season progresses.

After sitting out the opening four rounds of the nationals due to pre-season surgery, Moss returned last weekend at High Point and claimed 17th overall.

In moto one, Moss got off to a mid-pack start and came through lap one in 15th. He was passed by two riders at the midpoint, but was able to get back around them on lap nine.

With four laps to go, Moss made another mistake costing him three positions and putting him back to 18th. Moss stayed in position in the final laps and finished 18th in moto one.

Moss found himself a little behind at the start of the second moto rounding out the first lap in 29th. He put his head down and swiftly moved through five riders by lap two. He rode consistently and was able to pick up two positions every lap to sit 16th by the halfway mark.

Moss moved back to 17th on lap 10 and remained there for the duration of the race. With that result, Ramsey says it’s a platform he can build from in the future.

“Matt was riding pretty tight, but its okay for the first race back,” Ramsey said. “I know he will do better at the next one.”

Moss earned seven points to find himself 24th in the series points after just one race this season.