Image: Foremost Media.

Current Pirelli MX Nationals MX1 points leader Luke Clout has expressed he’s unfazed by carrying the red-plate into this weekend’s sixth round at Gympie in Queensland, marking his first-ever appearance with the points lead in the premier class.

The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy hasn’t settled down in the extended break, racing a selection of local events – including the Manjimup 15,000 and King of MX – to remain sharp for his assault on the second half of the series.

“It doesn’t change anything to be honest, I’ll be going there business as usual,” Clout told MotoOnline.com.au. “I’m going to fight for the win this weekend and nothing really changes – it’s just given me a nice six-week knowing I’m leading the championship. That was the goal – to go into the break with the lead. It’s given me six weeks of confidence.

“It was 100 percent important to get behind the gates – sitting there for six weeks would’ve been too long – it would feel like it’s the off-season again. It was good to be racing, and racing against some good guys was good – it kept the intensity and kept me in the swing of things.”

Clout has landed on the podium four out of five times this year, notching up a career-first overall victory at Wonthaggi’s second round, and currently leads Hayden Mellross (Raceline KTM Thor) in the championship rankings by four points.