The two-stroke is a strong machine in the MXD division, but the four-stroke still leads the title chase. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

This weekend at Hervey Bay’s round six of the Monster Energy MX Nationals will see the battle resume between the four and two-stroke mounted stars of the Pirelli MX Development division, which is shaping up to be the tightest title chase of all.

A back and forth battle between four-stroke mounted series leader Dylan Long (Choice Motorsports KTM) and two-stroke mounted Kiwi rival Kayne Lamont (KTM) has ensued.

Long chose to ride the 250 SX-F four-stroke from the series opener, while Lamont made a mid-season switch to the 250 SX two-stroke, setting up an intriguing battle of both man and machine.

With just nine points separating the two riders, the battle is on. The calibre of racing is lifting round by round no matter what weapon of choice each rider chooses to bring.

“I don’t really like to race with them that much, but I do think the guys are doing a really good job on them,” Long said of his multiple two-stroke competitors. “Even if there is an advantage, disadvantage or whatever, it’s making us ride a lot faster. That makes the sport better when we’re racing fast and battling together.”

Another KTM rider in Dylan Leary sits third, eight points in arrears of Lamont, while the first non-KTM rider is GYTR Yamaha’s Sam Martin in fourth. Raceline Pirelli Suzuki’s Jay Wilson is currently fifth following a mixed start to his campaign.