Image: MXN.

Shepparton’s concrete start will play a critical role in finishing strong at this weekend’s seventh round of the Motul MX Nationals, according to 2015 MX2 champion and Raceline Pirelli KTM entrant Jay Wilson.

The Queenslander mentioned the Victorian venue will require riders to remain sharp and switched on throughout the duration of the weekend, with a healthy start on the concrete allowing for the best opportunity to be in a solid position.

“Shepparton is a track where you need to get a good start off the concrete and you need to be sharp all weekend,” said Wilson. “Line selection is crucial this round so I’ve been working hard on my decision making, and we’re just hoping to get an improved result on Sunday.”

The KTM rider made a surprising return to the MX Nationals at Nowra following a short stint in the FIM World Motocross Championship, where he lodged 10-5 results for ninth overall.

An additional two weeks aboard the KTM 250 SX-F since Nowra has granted Wilson valuable time on the bike, and with further testing with the New South Wales-based outfit, he’s feeling comfortable heading into the weekend.

“Since Nowra we’ve been doing a bit of testing just to get me feeling that bit more comfortable,” he continued. “Round six was a good gauge of where we are at, so the plan will be to improve that this weekend.

“The KTM is a really nice bike, and I’ve felt good from the minute I got on it, so we’ve just been chasing those little one percenters that will help us get a bit further up the field.”