Image: Foremost Media.

Yamalube Yamaha Racing rookie Richie Evans emerged with a career-best result in the MX1 category at last weekend’s Pirelli MX Nationals double-header in Murray Bridge, the Queenslander winding up sixth overall on both days of racing.

The first three rounds have proven to be a challenge for the factory Yamaha pilot as he transitions to the premier class, with South Australia’s fourth and fifth rounds marking a timely breakout performance for the number 86.

“The first three rounds have been terrible for me for a bunch of reasons and I just wanted a clear run to see what I was capable of and where I sit,” Evans explained. “I was able to get that this weekend at Murray Bridge and I’m pretty happy with the outcome. I had a goal to finish in the top eight every time I hit the track this weekend and apart from qualifying, I finished every race in seventh or better.

“And the last race was the best I felt all year at the MX Nationals. It feels good to leave here with a result that I can be proud of and it also gives me motivation to keep working harder. The more I race with the riders at the front, the more I learn and the more comfortable I get with the pace.

“Thanks to the team for a huge weekend as my mechanic Jed busted his butt all weekend as well as Mike back in the work shop. I glad I could reward them with some decent results and now I want to keep it rolling through to Coolum.”

Evans has advanced to ninth in the MX1 championship rankings, as the MX Nationals returns to action 23 June at Gympie in Queensland.