Source: Supplied.

It was a step in the right direction towards the end goal for Jason Anderson in Arlington as he claimed his first 450SX podium finish of the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross Championship.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing though, the former West Coast 250SX champion forced to overcome heat race adversity following a spectacular clash with Malcolm Stewart that forced Anderson to qualify through the semi-final.

Confirming a return to 100 percent health following his Anaheim 2 clash with Vince Friese, the Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing rider went on to live up to his own main event expectations.

“It was a good day, I felt good and it was definitely a step in the right direction,” said Anderson. “I feel like I need to be on the podium every week. I had a rough few weeks, but I’m 100 percent healthy now with my arm.”

With one win under his belt at the season opening round in 2016, Anderson now has his sights set on returning to the top step following a season turnaround of sorts in Texas.

“I got a decent start in the main, put head down and moved forward and got into third,” he added. “I was all by myself out there, and just rode it home for a podium. I’m really looking for that win, I know I can win and that’s the goal for next week.”

Anderson’s teammate and factory Husqvarna newcomer, Dean Wilson, made it a top five double for the squad with a season-best fifth place finish in just his second appearance with the team.