American Phil Nicoletti has credited the wide-open U.S. style Goanna Tracks Complex for his first overall round win in the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals at Coonabarabran on Sunday.

The Monster Energy Kawasaki team rider raced to 1-1-1-3 results to clinch his first overall of the season, admitting that the result is long overdue after high expectations were placed upon him ahead of the season.

“I’m super happy. The wide-open U.S. style track suited my style and my bike worked really good,” Nicoletti said. “I’m glad to finally get a round win. It’s long overdue and been a long time coming but better late than never.

“There’s still 400 points up for grabs in this championship so I’ll just keep clicking away moto mins and get as many points as possible. I haven’t counted myself out of this championship.”

Team manager Troy Carrol was proud to see Nicoletti win and is also confident that he can go ahead to challenge for the championship.

“I’m happy with the weekend – Phil had an awesome day,” Carrol said. “The fast Coonabarabran track suited his style of racing and put him back in contention for the championship. This result will boost his confidence going into the last four rounds.”

Nicoletti now sits fifth in the standings, 80 points in arrears of series leader Matt Moss.