Image: Wilkinson Photography.

Reigning Australian MX2 champion Egan Mastin will play the long game in his title defence, which is set to commence this weekend as the Pirelli MX Nationals opens in Newry, Victoria.

The KTM Motocross Racing Team member, who will sport the number one plate, said that while he’d love to go out and win in the opening rounds, he won’t be laying everything on the line, instead, he’s aiming to collect a solid haul of points that will set him up for a successful title bid.

“I’m feeling good, I’ve had a good pre-season leading up to this weekend,” said Mastin. “I’m confident and I’m loving being a part of the team – it’s been pretty good and we’re sitting in a good spot heading into the first round.

“I’m not going to go out there and try to lay everything on the line straight away, but for sure, I want to go out there go for a win – it’s all about getting solid points at the first few rounds.”

This year will mark the New South Welshman’s first outdoor campaign with the factory outfit, which will also see him transition to the KTM 250 SX-F four-stroke after collecting last year’s championship aboard two-stroke machinery.