Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki’s Kyle Peters claimed his first podium of the year last weekend at Toowomba’s ninth round of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals in Queensland.

The American lodged a pair of third place results to be credited the final spot on the podium, repeating his form from 2016 at the Echo Valley venue.

Peters, who’s fallen short of expectations so far this year, explained that it’s been a tough 2017 campaign, however he’s relieved reward himself and the team with a satisfying result.

“It’s great to finally get a podium under my belt,” said Peters. “It’s been a really long and tough season for myself personally, so to reward everyone who has continued to believe in me with a podium is really special.

“All of the hard work that myself, my mechanic and the team have put in throughout the season has paid off today. Round nine is not exactly the place where you want to just get the ball rolling, but regardless of what round it is, this is what I work so hard for, and I’m just so proud that we could get it done before the season is out.

“For me, we still have one round to go and I’d like to finish the championship off with another result like this, so I’ll be heading to Coolum looking to achieve another podium.”

The number 14 is currently positioned sixth in the championship heading into Coolum’s finale this weekend, sitting within striking distance of fifth place holder Luke Styke (KTM Motocross Racing Team).