Image: Rhys van Slooten.

Husqvarna-mounted Connor Tierney signalled his intentions for the 2016 Motul MX Nationals after a commanding MXD performance at Horsham’s opening round of the season on Sunday.

Tierney, who finished third in the standings last year, has moved to a FC 250 for this season and with MXR&D’s former national champion Ryan Marmont in his corner, looks to have taken the next step in his career.

“I’m pumped. I had three goals this year – go 1-1, get the red plate and win the championship, so that’s two out of three done already!” he beamed. “I’m happy. I’ve been working really hard and there’s a lot of things coincide to make today happen.

“I’ve got an awesome bike this year, I like the four-stroke a lot more and I think I ride a bit better. The track was rocked today, but doing a lot of ruts in the off-season and obviously that’s paid off.”

With his confidence-inspiring double race win and red plates on order, the Western Australian hopeful takes a 10-point lead into Appin’s second round of the 2016 season on 17 April.