Aussie rising star Tye Simmonds is confident he has what it takes for a top 10 finish in the AMA outdoors. Image: Hoppenworld.com.

JDR/J-Star/KTM rider Tye Simmonds says his first ever appearance in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship was a positive one, now eyeing a position in the top 10 at upcoming rounds.

Simmonds enjoyed a decent showing at his first ever U.S. outdoor to finish 16th overall with 12-16 results on Saturday.

The opening round took place at Hangtown Raceway, with Simmonds qualifying 28th for the round. Despite his poor gate pick for the moto, Simmonds was able to come around the first corner in 12th position.

“I was able to get a pretty nice start in the first moto and was very close to the top 10 as we rounded the first corner,” the 19-year-old Aussie explained.

“The start is key in every race and starting better than I typically do really helped me in the first moto score.”

Simmonds moved up to 11th on the second lap and maintained that position for the majority of the race. With only three laps to go he lost one position to Ricky Dietrich before crossing the finish line in 12th.

The second moto was a bit tougher for Simmonds as he rounded the first lap in 19th place. He passed one rider for 18th on lap two but then struggled to find his pace in the moto.

“I was riding really tight the first few laps and wasn’t able to get into a good rhythm,” Simmonds added.

Simmonds eventually got into his comfort zone around the halfway point at which time he picked off two more riders and moved into his finishing position of 16th.

“My overall goal is to be inside the top 10,” Simmonds admitted. “I think this is a realistic goal for me in my first race season. I am really looking forward to Texas as I know my conditioning should come into play at that round and hopefully I inch closer to a top 10 result.”