Image: Marc Jones (Foremost Media).

KTM Motocross Racing Team manager and multi-time Australian champion Jay Marmont has labelled Luke Clout’s performance at the weekend’s second round of the Pirelli MX Nationals in New South Wales as exceptional.

After setting the fourth fastest time in Super Pole, Clout charged to fifth in the opening moto, while race two was where the factory KTM rider displayed his true potential, leading the field on both ends of the restart to ultimately wind up in second, crediting him third for the weekend and his first podium with the outfit.

“That last moto was exceptional to finally see Luke ride to his potential,” said Marmont. “Because we’ve been working really hard with him this year, it really proved that he’s adapted well to the KTM 450 SX-F and managed to lead the race for more than halfway to finish third overall, which is a great result for him and the team.”

The talented New South Welshman said the podium is a great reward for the team’s relentless efforts, and he’s really drawing confidence out of maintaining strong pace alongside reigning champion and points leader Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team),

“It’s good to get the monkey off my back and get the first podium with the KTM Motocross Racing Team,” Clout expressed. “These boys work super-hard and to repay them is a good feeling.

“I was kind of disappointed I let the race win slip, but Dean [Ferris] really picked it up in the end. I’ve got a bit of work to do, but I think I showed some good speed today, rode smoothly and didn’t let him fluster me, so I think that’s positive.”

Clout now sits third in the championship standings as the series heads to Wonthaggi in Victoria for the first double-header of the year on 19-20 May.