Image: Marc Jones (Foremost Media).

Current Pirelli MX Nationals MX2 championship leader Aaron Tanti is aiming to collect a solid haul of points this weekend at Appin’s second round, marking the New South Welshman’s home stop of the series.

Tanti, who will don the red-plate for the first time in his career, captured a surprise victory at the season-opener less than two weeks in Victoria while on debut with the Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing Team.

Acknowledging it’s a long season that will see 10 rounds span over eight weekends, the number 18 is looking to strengthen his points advantage at the familiar Appin circuit in hopes of solidifying his position as a strong and consistent title challenger.

“It’s a long series,” Tanti told MotoOnline.com.au. “So the real goal for me next weekend is to definitely get solid points again, to try and be on the podium and to continue to get consistent results throughout the season.

“I know I’ve got the speed and my fitness is a lot better this year, and my machine is awesome. I want to hang around the top three to get the most points out of it as possible, it’s a long series and one mistake can cost you the championship.”

Tanti holds a two-point lead over Serco Yamaha’s Nathan Crawford, who’s five points clear of New Zealand motocross champion Hamish Harwood (Davey Motorsport KTM).