Honda privateer Dean Ferris will spearhead the challenge to defending dual champion and current series leader Jay Marmont when the 2010 Rockstar Energy MX Nationals wraps up at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland this weekend.

Ferris is still buzzing after capturing his first Pro Open class moto win and overall podium at Moree last Sunday, finishing second overall with 2-1-3-3 results behind Marmont and ahead of in-form New Zealander Cody Cooper.

“I am really happy at the moment. We have been working really hard over the past two weeks maintaining my fitness and doing a lot of testing,” the 20-year-old commented. “With some knowledge that I gained while I was in Germany we have found a great setting with the suspension that allowed me to push hard for the win in Moree.

“It’s my best result in a national and has given me a great amount of confidence going into the final rounds this weekend at Coolum, which is a favorite track for me. Hats off to Jay Marmont at Moree, he rode great and just had a bit too much speed for us on the day, but we will be working hard for some more moto victories this weekend.”

In what has been a remarkable debut season in the premier Pro Open class, Ferris has amazed his competitors and team managers alike with his smooth, fast and consistent results.

If he does manage to close down Marmont’s 40-point lead during this weekend’s six-moto format, the young Queenslander could be the first rider since the late Andrew ‘Sharky’ McFarlane to take out the premier class title as a privateer.

Ferris is also on track to claim the newly introduced Andrew McFarlane Cup, which will be awarded to the top privateer in the Pro Open standings.

“It has been an incredible year so far. Although I am a privateer, with the support I receive from my crew and family I feel factory,” he continued.

“A big thanks to Corey Glock my mechanic, Glen Bell, Jon Hafey, Tony Hinton, Pip Harrrison and all the people at Honda MPE, McLeod Accessories, Link Int, Pirelli tyres and my family for believing in me when others wouldn’t. This weekend I can hopefully give them the best thank you of all with a great result.”