A breakthrough podium in the the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, could be on the cards for Victorian Cheyne Boyd this weekend after a week of testing with the Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing Team.

Boyd, who currently sits fifth in the Pro Open Championship, has spent much of this week testing and is looking to strike at Raymond Terrace’s third round come Sunday.

With the focus being rideability and starts, the team tested a number of engine configurations ahead of this weekend’s event.

Boyd said he was happy with the changes and saw an immediate improvement in his starts.

“I was fairly disappointed with last weekend,” Boyd admitted. “I have the speed and pace to run up front but when you are starting mid-pack it makes it really hard.

“We tested this week and the team made some changes to the engine configuration and I have felt a big improvement.

“The stuff we have changed has really helped me with my starts so I am looking forward to putting it all into play on Sunday.”

Teammate Michael Phillips, who scored a season best of fourth at Appin last weekend, returned to New Zealand this week to continue his training program in the lead up to Raymond Terrace, one of his favourites on the calendar.