Image: MXN.

Pro class rookie Mitch Evans will enter Coolum’s final round of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals 14 points down in the race for the MX2 championship, but insists his title hopes aren’t over just yet.

Evans has been exceptional since joining Serco Yamaha this season, including a pair of perfect wins at Appin and Conondale alongside a string of podiums. But clawing back points will be his biggest challenge yet at round 10.

Last Sunday at Toowoomba Evans was third overall via a 3-3 tally, bouncing back from a bad start in the opening encounter before battling through a lack of energy to replicate his position in moto two. He didn’t lose points to red plate-holder Wilson Todd, but didn’t make any either in one of the most pivotal rounds of the year swept by Egan Mastin.

“While I’m a little disappointed with my day, I know this isn’t over yet and the hard work myself and the team have been putting in will be rewarded,” Evans commented. “My start in the first one really let me down and because I was so far back on the opening lap I had to work over time to get myself back in the race.

“I used by a lot of energy doing that and just felt a bit flat for race two, but being on the podium is good and the last round is going to be exciting. I really have nothing to lose and it will be Wil and Egan with all the pressure. I plan on taking a few days to recuperate from the weekend and come out fresh and ready to go at Coolum.”

Evans clinched the MXD championship at Coolum with Yamalube Yamaha Racing last season, managing his points lead entering the round and delivering the number one plate before signing with the factory Serco Yamaha MX2 team for this year.