Image: Jeff Crow.

CDR Yamaha team owner Craig Dack has conceded that MX Nationals riders Billy Mackenzie and Jay Marmont will have to improve their outright speed if they’re to challenge Matt Moss for the 2014 championship.

Mackenzie was a conservative fourth overall at Appin on Sunday while former four-time series champion Marmont was seventh, while twin brothers Matt and Jake Moss took a commanding 1-2 finish in both motos.

The pace at the front of Australian motocross has been elevated once again for this season, with Dack determined to assist his riders in finding additional lap speed ahead of Wonthaggi next weekend.

“Both guys recognise that they are just a bit off the pace of the front runners and we have some work to do to bridge the gap,” Dack commented.

“The bikes look great on the track and both riders are happy with their performance, so we just have to work with Billy and Jay to bring out the speed in them.

“Both guys are race winners on their day so we will continue to work towards that goal and the results will again be a step forward at Wonthaggi at the next round.”

Mackenzie now sits fifth in the championship standings after two rounds, with Marmont climbing the order to eighth after scoring points in the GoPro Super Pole at Appin.