Luke Clout boosted his confidence in Phillip Island with a fifth place finish in the SX Lites class. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing’s Luke Clout rode his way to an impressive fifth place finish at Phillip Island’s round two of the 2012 Terex Australian Supercross Championships.

After finding himself qualifying through the dreaded LCQ, Clout then found himself on the ground in the opening laps of the SX Lites main event.

An inspiring push through the field saw the 17-year-old rookie ride his way to a top five finish in the 15-lap race – A vast improvement on his season opening 14th place finish at Dubbo.

“That was twice today that I got caught up in other riders’ problems,” said Clout. “The crash in the heat race happened when another rider fell into me that led to the LCQ and therefore a bad pick of the start gate for the main.

“I then thought I had a good start from out wide but the field pushed through the first turn and again bikes just seemed to fall to the outside where I was leaving me no place to go.”

The New South Wales native is satisfied with his improved result, but looks forward to a clean and clear race to show his full potential.

“It was good to get back through the field and I had no idea where I was coming,” he added. “I’m happy with fifth, but at the same time, would like to have a clear race with no problems just to see where I can finish.”

Clout now sits seventh overall in the SX Lites championship standings after two of four rounds in the 2012 series.