Image: Simon Cudby.

Following an impressive Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX performance during the first six rounds of the series, Lawson Bopping has returned to Australia to begin his MX Nationals pre-season preparations.

Last week the DPH Motorsport rider spun his first laps on a motocross track since Coolum’s 2015 season finale, the transition from supercross to motocross a smooth process according to Bopping.

“I had a great time in the states, I only got back last Saturday,” Bopping told MotoOnline.com.au. “I hung out at home for a few days before flying down to Melbourne to see my team and do a photoshoot for Thor.

“That was pretty much my first motocross ride since Coolum last year and it all went smoothly, I don’t have a motocross bike just yet but next week I’ll have that and start riding motocross again.”

With six rounds of AMA supercross under his belt, Bopping feels his choice to race during the off-season will benefit him heading into the 2016 Australian motocross series.

“The trip will only help me in my racing over here,” said Bopping. “I wasn’t really ready to sit at home for three months or so and lose the intensity and things like that. I’ve already done six rounds with three race starts at least at all of those rounds, so I’m feeling good going into the motocross season.

“I’ll just need to work on some of the things I was lacking last year in motocross. It’s also my second year with the DPH Motorsport team, so we’re a lot more familiar with each other and it’ll be another year on the bike. I’m just hoping to do my best at every round and see where we end up, but I’d like to be at the front that’s for sure.”

Bopping and the DPH Motorsport team will continue their pre-season testing program over the next four weeks leading into the season opening MX Nationals round on 3 April.