Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

Highly-rated premier class rookie Luke Clout didn’t disappoint in his Australian SX1 Supercross Championship debut at Jimboomba X Stadium, blitzing to fourth despite going down on the opening lap.

The Crankt Protein Honda Racing rider, who considers himself stronger at supercross regardless of his outdoor credentials, recovered from an early crash to finish fourth in the 20-lap main event.

It was a convincing performance from Clout after qualifying third and then going second behind defending champion Justin Brayton in SX1 heat two. Although disappointed, he was satisfied with the performance post-race.

“I’m a little bit disappointed to go down, but to come back to fourth and ride the way I did, I’m pretty happy,” said Clout. “I know I have to go home and do some work, but I know I’m right there. I know my speed is around the podium, so I’m just going to go home, work hard and get on the box,” he said. “The plan is to just keep riding well and see how we go.”

With that result to his credit on debut in the sport’s top division, Clout will move on to enter the Bacchus Marsh round in Victoria on 14 October as a legitimate podium threat aboard his factory-backed CRF450R.