If you’re after a testament of how far the level of riding in the MX1 class has progressed in two years, just ask Wilsons Jetpilot MX Kawasaki privateer Luke Wilson.

Wilson stepped up from the UI19 class straight into the MX1 field in 2010, where the Gold Coaster found himself circulating around the top 15 mark, with his best result a 10th at Coolum and a 13th overall at the Auckland round of the Super X championship.

After tearing his ACL and undergoing a knee reconstruction that forced him out of any racing in 2011, Wilson was determined to fight back this year, with his sights firmly set on a top 10 result.

However, the 22-year-old is shocked at how high the bar has been lifted in just two years.

Luke Wilson is a regular in the Monster Energy MX1 category of Australian Motocross. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com..

“I thought I’d be able to fight for top 10 finishes, and that’s what I told my sponsors,” he explains. “But I’m really surprised at how everyone’s level of riding has stepped up.

“As a result I’ve had to lover my expectations to aim for a top 15 at each event, as I was getting frustrated and disappointed at not being able to achieve the goals I’d set.

“This year has been a mixed bag for us. I got a 14th at Hervey Bay and a 15th at Horsham, despite my bike blowing up in one of the motos,” Wilson explains. “We’ve also had been hampered by clutch problems and to be honest I’ve struggled with the mental side of racing this year.

“I know I belong in this class, but it can be intimidating lining up next to the big guys on the gate. It’s something I’ve had to come to terms with.”

The Wilson’s JPI Kawasaki set-up is one of the most pro-looking small rigs in the pits and Luke explains that’s something they set out to do from the get-go.

“My dad pays for the large majority of the costs associated with getting to each round and puts in such a big effort, but one of the main things we set out to do was have a professional-looking set-up that gets noticed and gives something back to our sponsors for all the investment they’ve put into us.”

Wilson has had a mixed season to date, but remains focused on top 10 results as his goal. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Luke aims to finish the rest of the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals on a high, then carry that momentum into the new supercross series. As for next year, he’s undecided as to what class he’s going to race.

“We’re tossing up whether I should drop back to the MX2 class, so I can get some confidence back in my racing and in my ability,” he reveals.

“But either way, I’m aiming for a top 10 in whatever class I choose. Once I’m at that level I’ll look to keep building and see how far I can take it.”

Wilson is sponsored by Jet Pilot, Wilson’s, Images of the Soul Tattoo, QB4, Serco, MX Factory and Mydrade.