Image: Jeremy Hammer.

Increased consistency is a high priority for Egan Mastin following a challenging opening round of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals series in Wonthaggi on 2 April.

On return from multiple seasons contesting the American amateur circuit, the Davey Motorsports KTM rider found himself in the runner-up MX2 podium position at round one following an up-and-down day on-track.

After finishing ninth in moto one following two crashes, the 19-year-old returned with vengeance in moto two claiming a comfortable victory and solidifying himself as a serious title contender if he can minimise costly errors.

“It’s definitely a long series and consistency is definitely key – I’ve been working on it,” Mastin told MotoOnline.com.au. “I just need to get good starts and keep out of trouble really, a good start is really important.

“It was really unfortunate going down in the first moto, but in the second one I ended up coming out with the moto win, which I was stoked about. I just have to keep it on two wheels, it’s a long series and I need to get some solid points in the first five or six rounds to be up the pointy end.”

Currently 10 points behind series leader Wilson Todd with nine rounds remaining, the Newcastle-based rider will maintain focus on the big picture despite being in a favourable position for the 2017 Motul MX Nationals MX2 championship.

“I’m feeling really good, but I don’t want to think about the championship too soon as it’s only round two,” he explained. “I want to click over moto wins and for right now I’m not thinking about the championship, I just want to go out and do solid motos and keep it on two wheels.”

Mastin and his fellow MX2 contenders will return to racing action at Appin in New South Wales for round two of the series on 23 April.