Kale Makeham leading the field at Wonthaggi. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.

Monster Energy MX Nationals MX2 rookie Kale Makeham continues to make a name for himself in his maiden campaign in the class, finishing on the podium at Wonthaggi and solidifying his top three spot in the championship.

Key to his constant appearance on the podium is his starting ability – the 20-year-old blasted out of the gates in the weekend’s opening moto, leading a handful of laps for the first time in the class.

Makeham was caught and passed by the Serco Yamaha pairing of Luke Styke and Luke Clout, but he was pleased by the result nonetheless.

“I came out swinging in race one and lead my first laps in the Lites class,” said Makeham. “Other than a bit of lack in experience, I felt really good and was super fast and solid.

“I wasn’t able to win it, but knowing what I know now I believe I have it in me to run up front and push for race wins. I learnt a lot on the weekend and we’ll take that into the rest of the series.”

Makeham backed up his opening moto performance with a solid fourth place in the second, holding out seasoned campaigner Ryan Marmont in the process.

“Wonthaggi was a great day for me,” he continued. “I was a bit bitter after missing the podium by one position at round two, so I was really determined to come out and prove I’m a top three guy.”

Makeham will look to add to a solid points base when the MX Nationals resume at Victoria’s Broadford State Motorcycle Complex on 19 May.