CDR Rockstar Energy Yamaha's Jay Marmont is second with one round remaining in the MX Nationals. Image: Alex Gobert.

Three-time defending Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals champion Jay Marmont is hoping that his previous success at Coolum will carry over into this weekend’s season finale on Sunday.

CDR Rockstar Energy Yamaha team rider Marmont took one step closer to obtaining a fourth consecutive Pro Open title in the MX Nationals last Sunday at Moree, finishing second overall.

Marmont closed the gap to the series lead from 32 to 18 points at Moree, with CDR Rockstar Energy Yamaha teammate Josh Coppins now heading the standings and making for a battle between teammates at this weekend’s final round in Queensland.

Wollongong’s Marmont, 28, tied on points for the overall victory yesterday at Moree thanks to his tally of 2-1-1-2 results across the four motos contested, the tiebreaker awarded to Coppins due to his higher score in the final moto.

“I felt like the Moree weekend went really well for me and I was able to leave the round closer to the series lead,” Marmont reflected. “I moved up to second in the championship and I’m very happy about that, so now I’m focused on Coolum.”

With four races and 100 points on offer at the season finale, Marmont is confident he has what it takes to challenge Coppins for the championship during the weekend.

“I’m 18 points behind Josh going into Coolum and I think that there will be a completely different type of racing,” he added. “It’s a tight track and the starts can make a big difference.

“I’ve gotten good starts there in the past, so I think with more riders up front it could throw a spanner in the works. I’ll be trying hard to make up the difference.

“The last three years I’ve been to Coolum I have walked away with the championship, so that’s something I’d like to continue. I’ve got a lot of family and friends going to support me and hopefully it should be a good weekend for me.”

The series will head straight into the season finale at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast this weekend, 30-31 July.