With the second half of the Monster Energy MX Nationals just days away this weekend in Hervey Bay, MotoOnline.com.au gets out our crystal ball for some bold predictions…

Open warfare
With Josh Coppins, Todd Waters and Brad Anderson all vying for the MX1 title, our crystal ball says that the man who wins the most will seal the deal. At this stage, more than consistency is required.

Styke to star
Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing’s Luke Styke will go on to win the MX2 championship and pick up at least two more round wins in the process. And in doing so, Yamaha will reward him with a seat alongside Lawson Bopping at CDR in 2013.

2013 flyers
With the MX Nationals extending into late August this year (a month later than in previous recent seasons), don’t rule out teams drafting in 2013 models as soon as they’re developed. Two that we’d like to see are the KTMs and Kawasakis!

Luke Styke is looking set to take out his first MX2 Monster Energy MX Nationals title in 2012. Image: Adam Riemann

Bopping’s breakthrough
Impressed already by Lawson Bopping? Well, we reckon he’s going to consistently be up front from now on after spending the mid-season in the US.

Queensland crusade
While some opted to head overseas during the break, the likes of Todd Waters and Ford Dale raced locally in Queensland and that local experience will show as soon as this Sunday. The question is, will it be enough for the title?

Marmont will win a round
After a tough season so far, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jay Marmont will rebound by season’s end to win a round aboard the KX450F. He’s won one moto so far, but apart from that upswing, he hasn’t been on an overall podium.

Brenden Harrison is back on the bike after a long recovery from injury, expect to see him pushing for wins. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Harry’s haul
Brenden Harrison might not win first time out this weekend when he returns from injury (but he could!), but be assured that he will be in the mix for moto wins during the final five rounds, right there alongside JDR/KTM teammate Josh Cachia.

Satellite surprise
With so many strong satellite teams in the MX1 and MX2 classes this season, Tye Simmonds, Jake Moss, Cheyne Boyd and Adam Monea (to name a few) will step up and win a round for the ‘privateer’ brigade. They’ve been knocking on the door all year long.

Film frenzy
Enjoy the films from the first half of the season? Well, wait until Coolum’s finale! MotoOnline, teams and various brands will all be doing their best to caption the action in a bid to gain those worthy YouTube views.

Gibbs gains
After a disappointing start to the season with a lingering wrist injury, Kirk Gibbs can turn his year around – as long as his wrist is better than it was a Murray Bridge. If not, he needs to get it fixed ASAP.