The Zero Seven Motorsports crew made a strong debut for their all-new look at Raymond Terrace. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Starts will be key in upcoming rounds of the Monster Energy MX Nationals for Troy Lee Designs – Maxima Zero Seven Motorsports teammates Cody Mackie and Kade Mosig, following a promising performance at Raymond Terrace’s season opener last Sunday.

Debuting their revamped Kawasaki-backed outfit at MX Central, both Mackie and Mosig dealt with poor starts, forcing themselves to push their way through the stacked fields in both the MX1 and MX2 categories.

After battling from 26th to eighth position in moto one and pushing his way through to a solid third in moto two, MX2 contender Mosig proved he has what it takes to run up front.

“I definitely know my fitness is there and the bike setup is really good,” said Mosig. “I just have to get a good start and stay clean during racing.”

Following a one-year break from racing, Mackie dived into one of the deepest MX1 fields to date. The 26-year-old battled his way through the pack in both motos, making an impressive run to 13th place in moto two after a first lap fall.

“I gained a lot of positives out of today,” said Mackie. “The class is stacked this year, so its going to take a good start and consistent laps.”

With Mosig’s combined moto scores he earned himself a solid fifth overall MX2 finish, while Mackie found himself in 11th overall after a grueling day of premier class racing.

Click here for Mackie’s round one recap film where he speaks about his Raymond Terrace MX1 performance, for Mosig’s MX2 recap film from the event, click here.