JDR/KTM Factory Racing riders Ryan Marmont and Josh Cachia are both looking to benefit from time spent in the United States when the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals fire up this Sunday at Conondale.

Marmont won the Lites title in 2006 and has spent time with JDR Motorsports’ American-based team earlier this season campaigning AMA Supercross in the West Coast Lites division, excited to return to the Lites bike after a season in the Pro Open class last year.

“Racing in America was a good start to the year for me and hopefully the preparation will pay off in the MX Nationals,” Marmont said.

“I’ve been nursing a wrist injury recently, but I’m excited to get the season underway and really want to battle for this championship back in the Lites class for 2012.”

Victorian hard-charger and 2010 Under 19s national champion Cachia enters his second year of Pro Lites competition as a certain title contender, and he’s solely focused on capturing his first pro championship for JDR.

He too has spent time in America this year, albeit training for the outdoor series and honing his skills against some of the world’s top riders in California.

“I’m looking forward to a healthy good season,” Cachia said. “I spent a month in America preparing with the team over there and picked up some good speed, fitness and experience. I think this year with 10 rounds, the key for success will be keeping consistent.”

Third JDR Lites rider Brenden Harrison will sit out the opening two rounds after having a screw removed from his femur/hip injury last week, focused on returning at his best for the team when his injuries are healed and he has regained 100 percent fitness.

The team will set out to defend its championship in the Pro Lites category, which the team won with PJ Larsen in 2010 and Matt Moss in 2011.

Larsen will visit the Conondale round as a special guest this weekend, the American now a regular on JDR’s AMA team and making his first appearance in Australia since he won the Australian Supercross and Motocross Lites titles as a rookie in 2010.

He will be available to meet fans and sign during autograph sessions on Sunday.