Dylan Leary was impressive on debut for the Axis Motorsports team, taking out a moto victory in the final MXD race of the day. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Dylan Leary’s recent signing with the Axis Motorsports Kawasaki Maxima squad for the final three rounds of the Monster Energy MX Nationals series has proved to be a jump in the right direction for the MXD contender.

Team owner Andrew Hopson, already supporting a team of two in the MXD class, decided to give Leary the opportunity to ride on the factory supported team after the young rider showed speed and presented himself well off the bike.

“Many of the surrounding media asked us why we put on another rider with only three rounds to go, we replied, Why not?.” Hopson explained.

“Dylan had spoken to us on several occasions and had expressed interest in becoming involved with the team. We felt we had the resources with 3 rounds to go to give a polite, well presented young man with great corner speed a chance.”

Hopson hopes this move will prove that with hard work, dedication and a good attitude, other young racers can also do the same as Leary.

“Opportunities are getting few and far between for struggling privateers in Australian MX,” Hopson added. “Hopefully this may prove to other young racers that with hard work and determination you can acheive your goals.”

Leary, previously mounted on the two-stroke KTM 250 SX, was faced with the daunting challenge of switching over to the completely different four-stroke bike on debut for the team at Appin’s round eight.

Seemingly unfazed by the change, Leary rode to a solid fourth overall and took and impressive victory in the third and final moto of the day.

Leary currently sits third overall in the MXD class standings with two rounds of racing remaining. The series now heads to Moree in New South Wales for round nine on 19 August.