Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jay Marmont battled on at Wonthaggi despite a tough start. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jay Marmont has vowed to approach upcoming races with a positive mindset after enduring an up and down weekend at the third round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals at Wonthaggi.

The multiple MX1 class champion has faced an uncharacteristic struggle to start his season, exacerbated by a painful crash at Murray Bridge.

Marmont battled to 16th in the weekend’s first moto, before changing tact for the second.

“I was in a bad place after a bad first moto,” said Marmont. “I was in a negative frame of mind and had to put a lot of stuff behind me.

“I had to think positive and most importantly I just had to remember to have fun and not let set-backs bother me.”

He made a slow start to moto two but managed to climb back through the field, scoring solid points with a sixth place finish. He is hopeful this changed approach will allow him to re-assert himself in the race for the class title.

“I went into that second race with a much more positive outlook and even though I didn’t get a good start, I still went forward and worked my way through a lot of good riders and matched the lead riders times to finish sixth so I was really happy with that,” continued Marmont.

“I know I’ll bounce back from these tough couple of rounds and the team supports me one hundred percent. I think I just need to approach the races a little bit different and enjoy myself and I’m sure the results will come.”

Marmont sits 13th on the MX1 standings, just 10 points from breaking into a top 10 berth.