Defending triple Australian Motocross Champion Jay Marmont was impressed with younger brother Ryan in his Pro Open debut at Broadford’s opening round of the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals last weekend, but says he’s determined to claw his way back into title contention.

Marmont finished ninth overall in the treacherous conditions while 26-year-old brother Ryan was fifth, and Jay admits even he was surprised to see the number three race past him in moto one.

“I knew that he’d be quick, just practicing with him each day he seems to be right there on the pace,” 27-year-old Marmont said. “I guess he’s the leading KTM guy now, so they’re putting a lot of emphasis on him doing good to show the 350 can be competitive.

“When he passed me in that first moto at Broadford it rattled me for a few laps, having my little brother overtake me, but he showed that the racing in America and the effort he’s been putting in has been paying off so he got the good results he deserved at the first round.”

For CDR Rockstar Energy Yamaha rider Jay, he’s now focused on regaining crucial points in the series if he’s to challenge for title number four. Current national number two Billy Mackenzie leads him by 42 points after just one round.

“I had one of the worst races I’ve had in four or five years – it was aday where everything went wrong,” Marmont reflected. “I got hit with a rock in moto two, which just totally blinded my vision.

“I’m not one to make excuses because I wasn’t riding good on the day, but having no vision in my right eye in the mud made it tough. After putting so much effort into round one during the off-season and to rock up and have everything go wrong was a huge blow for me.

“That rider that everybody saw at round one won’t be at Appin – I’ll be a new rider. Hopefully I go and prove the haters wrong who have already written me off, hopefully I’ll show them where I’m meant to be.”

Round two will take place at Appin in New South Wales on 3 April.