It was a promising performance from MEGA Bulk Fuels Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Nathan Crawford at Conondale’s third round of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals series.

The 19-year-old rebounded from a ninth in the opening moto to run second behind Dean Ferris for much of moto two before dropping back to a strong third-place finish behind Kirk Gibbs as the chequered flag flew.

“We’re just making steps in the right direction and that’s our goal as a team, to better ourselves every time we hit the track,” said Crawford. “In the first race I was pushing a group of riders in front of me, but had another little crash.

“Between races I regrouped, then really put my head down for the second moto. I got a good start and rode most of the race in second before I got rounded up towards the end of the race.”

Following a slow start to the series due to a pre-season arm injury, the Queenslander is satisfied with a career-best fourth place overall finish and looks to continue improving as the series moves on.

“I wasn’t too phased by that,” he added. “It was my best result so far this year and I’m only a rookie, so hopefully we can keep getting better from here.”

Crawford currently sits sixth overall in the MX1 championship standings with seven rounds remaining on the 2017 Motul MX National schedule.