Dale was strong in Auckland, but ultimately missed out on a podium finish. Image: Sport The Library.

Serco Yamaha’s Ford Dale is determined to claim his first podium of the season when the 2010 Monster Energy Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, returns to New Zealand for the Dunedin round this weekend.

Dale was in great shape at the Auckland round being the fastest qualifier in the Pro Lites class and finishing with 5-1 results in the first two main events of the Triple Challenge.

Only a flat tyre caused by a screw on the track derailed Dale’s hopes of a podium but that has only fired the Sunshine Coast-based rider up and he has his sights set on a podium finish.

“I felt great last week but just couldn’t get it done in the final race due to the flat tyre,” Dale explained. “It is rare to get a flat in Super X, but that’s the way it goes so this weekend I’m out to finish the job properly and get my Serco Yamaha on the box.”

Despite his misfortune, Dale still managed to finish fifth overall in Auckland, handing the podium position to fellow Yamaha rider, GYTR Rockstar Yamaha’s Luke Styke.

After four rounds contested during the 2010 season to date, Dale now sits in eighth position overall.

Dale is the lone Serco Yamaha rider in the series at the moment after teammate Kirk Gibbs suffered a broken wrist while practicing last month.