Image: iKapture.

Aaron Tanti is primed to make his Serco Yamaha debut in the Pirelli MX Nationals this weekend at Appin in New South Wales, the popular venue serving as his home round of the series.

Tanti experienced a breakout season in 2018, stunning the field as he captured victory at the season-opener before recording a number of podiums throughout the year, ultimately earning him a seat at the title-winning Serco Yamaha squad.

Now residing in Queensland, Tanti grew up racing and riding the Macarthur Motorcycle Complex, and has expressed the key role that strong starts will play in being successful at the technical circuit.

“As a junior rider, I raced Appin a lot although the track is never the same and develops a lot differently when it comes to the MX Nationals,” said Tanti. “It is ploughed much deeper with a lot more water put on it and as a result, it gets super rutty and can be very technical to ride.

“But like any track, starts are important and will play a huge part in the result this weekend. Since coming to Serco and getting back on the Yamaha, my riding as been good and I have had some good results at some local races I have contested. But the intensity always goes up a level at a national and its awesome to race in such atmosphere with the best riders in Australia.”

A serious title threat this season, the number 18 will be joined at Serco Yamaha by regular Nathan Crawford, who’s also set to the challenge for the title on return from an injury-riddled 2018.