Image: Andy McGechan (BikesportNZ.com).

Altherm JCR Yamaha’s Jay Wilson will enter the 2015 MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, as a title favourite after posting his third-consecutive New Zealand MX2 round win near Rotorua on Sunday.

Wilson, 20, has enjoyed a perfect season to date in NZ with three overall round victories, working closely with former world number two Josh Coppins in a unique structure that will see the JCR outfit extend its support of Wilson into Australia.

After posting a 1-3-3 result at the New Plymouth’s opening round, Wilson has gone on to win all three motos at both Timaru and Rotorua.

“I was three seconds faster than everyone else in qualifying today and that’s despite the fact this was the first time I’d raced at this track,” said Wilson. “I’ve got a race up my sleeve but I’m not counting my chickens yet. I have raced at Pukekohe in the past and I like it there, so I don’t anticipate any problems next weekend.”

Wilson now has a 37-point advantage over Kiwi Hamish Harwood, more than an entire race up his sleeve as he heads to the fourth and final round of the series at Pukekohe.

Altherm JCR Yamaha team boss Coppins said Wilson’s results were just what he needed, with his racing the Kiwi series an important part of his build-up and preparation for the Australian nationals.

“Jay is riding great,” said Coppins. “It is good reward for all the hard work he’s putting in during the week. We’ll give him an easy time this week but he’s got to remain focussed.”

The fourth and final round of the series is set for Harrisville this weekend, two weeks out from the MX Nationals opener at Horsham.