Image: Foremost Media.

Popular premier class contender Dylan Long has labelled his sixth place result at Murray Bridge’s fifth round of the Pirelli MX Nationals as a typical performance in his 2018 campaign so far.

The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team rider has showcased his talents on a number of occasions this, lodging a host of impressive race results in the process, however it’s been a lack piecing together two strong finishes on the day that has ultimately denied him of a podium in the opening half.

“Moto one was a bit of a struggle as I didn’t get a chance to settle into the race and was instantly under pressure from the riders behind me,” Long explained. “So, for moto two I tried to keep a cool head, fight for places early in the race and ensure I had good track position as that is so important here at Murray Bridge.

“Today was typical of how my season has gone, with one good moto and one not so good moto, so I need to work on my consistency and start putting two good races together. My focus during the break will be on applying myself to two races and improving my mental strength to ensure I can do that. If I can put a full day together, I’m sure a round podium isn’t out of the question.”

Long strung together 8-4 moto finishes in South Australia, while his season-best result came at Appin’s second round in New South Wales when he was credited fourth on countback, tying on points for the final position on the podium.

The number seven is currently positioned sixth in the championship standings as the MX Nationals heads into a month-long break, returning on 1 June at Conondale in Queensland.