Darryn Durham lead for over half the race in Dallas last weekend. Image: Simon Cudby.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team newcomer Darryn Durham says signing with the world class team was the boost he needed to battle for podiums in the East Coast Lites class of Monster Energy AMA Supercross.

Durham raced to his maiden podium on debut with Pro Circuit at Dallas’ East Coast opener last weekend, a result that he admits was made realistic by signing with Mitch Payton’s factory Kawasaki Lites team.

After taking the holeshot, Durham held onto the lead until the ninth lap, but a few small mistakes dropped him to second, where he would finish.

“Tonight felt amazing,” said Durham. “That was my first supercross podium ever. Being a part of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki is awesome. I couldn’t have done it without the team, they all have been working hard to get me to this level.

“I’m pretty stoked on my new Kawasaki, I ripped the holeshot and felt solid on it all night. I have a lot of confidence in the bike and my ability so when I was sitting on the line and I really felt confident I was going to take the holeshot.

“I am going to work on getting faster in the whoops and try to take it home next week at the Georgia Dome. Overall, I couldn’t be happier.”

Last year saw Durham consistently impress as a privateer with the Eleven-10 Mods Honda team, earning him a place at Pro Circuit for 2012.