Image: Foremost Media.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy’s Luke Clout has expressed a sense of optimism after relinquishing the points lead at Gympie’s sixth round of the Pirelli MX Nationals on Sunday.

The New South Welshman admittedly salvaged what he could at the brand-new MX Farm venue, going onto record a 4-7 scorecard for fifth overall.

As Todd Waters (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) now controls the standings, Clout still maintains second in the rankings, three points shy of the newly-appointed leader.

“It wasn’t a great day and I didn’t ride my best,” Clout admitted. “But I was able to salvage what I could and I’m still only three points from the lead in the championship. There are only five points between three of us in the championship and now it comes down to not making any mistakes and keep putting myself in good position to win races and rounds.

“Next round is at Maitland, a track that I have raced at a few times and enjoy riding so I will put this one behind me, focus forward for the next round and get things back on track there.”

Just five points separate the top five in the premier class standings, with former points leader Hayden Mellross (Raceline KTM Thor) holding third behind Clout and Waters.