Monster Energy Kawasaki team manager Troy Carroll at the 2013 season launch. Image: Jeff Crow/Sport the Library.

Monster Energy Kawasaki team manager Troy Carroll is certain the Queensland-based factory team will contend for the 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals title when it opens in Raymond Terrace this weekend.

The team endured a difficult outdoor season last year upon the headline signing of Marmont, however after winning the Australian Supercross series, the team is carrying confidence into the new year.

Marmont will be joined by MX1 rookie Adam Monea this season aboard the KX450Fs, a formidable line-up that sets the team up as clear title contenders.

“The guys have left no stone unturned in their pursuit of championship success in 2013,” Carroll commented. “The 2013 Kawasaki KX450F is an amazing bike to work with this year.

“We’ve had great success with the new air fork and we just can’t wait to get out there at the first round.

“The team is in great shape this year with the addition of two great new major sponsors in Trident Security and Easternwell Group to compliment the strong team we already have in place.”

For Marmont, pre-season practice at MX Central should pay dividends when the series opens this weekend.

“Even though I haven’t had a real smooth off-season I’m healthy and really comfortable on the KX450F now,” he explained.

“I’ve been out to Raymond Terrace three times now to check out the track and I’ve been stronger and stronger there each time so I really can’t wait to get amongst it this weekend and get the season started.”

Monea is entering the season with an open mind, stepping up to MX1 alongside Marmont following at promising MX2 season in 2012.

“It’s a much hyped season! There’s a lot of energy heading into this first round, but I’m going into it with the same attitude as a local race,” the Victorian said.

“I want to have some fun out there. Being the first round everybody wants to go out there and prove themselves as the best, I feel the same but I still want to have some fun and hopefully make it all work on the day.”

The series will commence on Sunday, 14 April at Raymond Terrace in New South Wales.