Image: Jeff Crow.

A crowded schedule is part of Luke Clout’s strategy as he campaigns for a maiden premier class crown in the Pirelli MX Nationals this season.

The former MX2 champion, a title-contender on the championship-winning CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team, has been challenging a selection of local events in New South Wales, which he intends to maintain throughout the year to form a weekly racing schedule.

The talented number four is adamant the newly-implement strategy is currently paying off, ensuring the return to competitiveness at the highest level domestically is natural and seamless once the MX Nationals kicks off next week at Appin in New South Wales.

“Last year I did a few small races, but I was kind of just doing my own thing and not really getting behind the gate,” Clout explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “This year I wanted to do more local races and familiarise myself with racing and being around other riders.

“The seasons starts a little earlier this year, so I wanted to get into it early, get going and try race week in, week out – I don’t want be racing nationals and then waiting a week before racing again – I want to be racing week to week so I’m consistent and can work on everything.”

Piloting the title-proven YZ450F alongside Kirk Gibbs in 2019, and under the guidance of Craig Dack, Clout is beaming with confidence, expressing he’s in a strengthened mental and physical state.

“To be honest, I feel the best I’ve ever felt – that just comes down to everything. Obviously being with CDR – that’s a big confidence booster in itself to be picked up by Dacka – and just with how good the bike is and how good I’m gelling with the bike – it’s really coming naturally to me.

“I’m working hard off the bike – I have personal trainer now, and we’ve been working really hard on some weaknesses. I’m definitely in a better spot than last year – mentally and physically, I’m in a much better state.”