Serco Yamaha kicked their 2013 season off with a bang last weekend at MX Central. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Serco Yamaha’s combination of MX2 contenders Luke Styke and Luke Clout both showed impressive performances at Raymond Terrace’s season opener of the 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals.

After topping the board in qualifying, Styke worked his way through the pack in moto one to take control of the lead and headed straight for the checkered flag – he maintained a comfortable gap over his rivals and finished the race with the win.

Moto two was much the same as Styke grabbed the lead and never let it go, his 1-1 moto sweep was a strong statement from Styke and just the start to the season he was looking for.

“I wanted to get off to a good start at the opening round and that’s exactly what I did,” said Styke. “I feel I rode well but I feel pretty flat now as I didn’t sleep well last night and am dehydrated now.

“I worked really hard leading up to this race and maybe over done it a bit, so I will take a day or two off and ensure I’m back to 100 percent for round two at Murray Bridge in two weeks’ time.”

Adding to Serco Yamaha’s impressive form was Clout following Styke over the finish line in second for moto one. Clout charged through the field after a reasonable start and then kept Styke in check to take a well-earned runner-up finish.

A repeat performance was the goal for moto two but a bad start for Clout had him on the back foot and looking for a way forward. Clout battled his way to fifth, only to tangle with a lapped rider on the final lap and finish up in eighth.

“It was a reasonable start to the series, I guess,” Clout said. “That fall in moto two proved costly and it shows that I must stay focused all the way to the finish line.

“Top five is a good place to start, I just need to keep building on this start and get my Serco Yamaha up front when the opportunity comes.”

Team owner Gavin Eales was pleased with his teams’ performance and explains that it was a good reward for the hard work over the off season.

“Both guys have worked hard since the end of last season and the team also put in plenty of hours on the race bikes so it was a real team effort today.

“Styke raced exceptionally well and is determined to make amends for last years’ misfortune, while Clout showed he has the speed and fitness to run at the front.”

Styke holds the series leading red plate, while Clout sits 15 points back in fourth as the series heads to Murray Bridge in South Australia for round two on 28 April.