CDR Rockstar Energy Yamaha team boss Craig Dack says the team is ready to go racing ahead of this weekend’s opening round of the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals at Broadford in Victoria.

Dack has retained triple Pro Open champion Jay Marmont for this season, also signing former Motocross World Championship number two Josh Coppins for the year ahead.

Adding to the team’s excitement this season is the fact that it has upgraded to an 18-wheel semi trailer during the off-season, and Dack believes it will boost the profile of the team in the pits.

“I have a really good vibe about 2011,” Dack commented. “As a team we have stepped it up with a new semi and completely new pit set up that will boost our profile in the pits and the riders have been in good form during testing and pre-season training.

“I enjoy this time of year and CDR is ready to go racing.”

For Marmont, he took the opportunity to take some time off during the break and recharge the batteries for a fresh tilt at championship number four.

Marmont builds his championships on a foundation of consistency but realizes he must strive to improve to keep pace with the younger riders each and every year.

“This was the first time in years I have been able to take a break and refresh my mind and body for racing and I think it has done me the world of good,” the 27-year-old commented.

“I have never entered the season filling so fresh and excited and my pre-season training has been as good as ever. Broadford is the first of nine rounds and I’m just looking forward to getting out on the track and getting the championship under way.”

Kiwi Coppins returns down under after 15 years spent on the World GP circuit in Europe. Since returning home, Coppins has sharpened his skills at the New Zealand Motocross Championships, where he’s currently leading the Pro Open class.

“The change coming back from Europe has been good,” Coppins said. “I needed something fresh and a new challenge to keep me going forward and to race back in Australia and New Zealand has really lifted me.

“I look forward to the new formats used here and also racing a bunch of new riders that I have never competed against before. Round one can’t come soon enough.”

The season will commence this weekend at Broadford’s State Motorcycle Sports Complex in Victoria on Sunday, 13 March.