Dylan Long entered the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals Under 19s development class as a title favourite and so far, so good, for the talented Victorian teenager.

The Choice Motorsports KTM rider is living up to expectations on a 250 SX-F in a class filled with two-strokes, keeping the red plate ever since he won the opening round at Conondale in April.

MotoOnline.com.au tracked Long down earlier today for a quick interview to see how his season’s progressing and also to get his thoughts on the two-strokes in U19s competition.

We’re four rounds into the MXD class of the MX Nationals and you’re leading the series, so I guess it’s been a pretty positive start for you in 2012.

Yeah, it’s been awesome and I couldn’t have asked for much more. I just had a bit of bad luck in some of the sprint races, but other than that I’ve been working forward and being as close to the front as I can.

You came out strong from the start, got the red plate early, but there has been a lot of different winners. What’s you plan of attack – is it to win every moto or be consistent?

I think it’s to try win as much as you can, but you have to be consistent. With these short races everyone seems to be up and down, so the closer you can keep it to the front and minimise mistakes, the better you’ll be. That’s what I’m aiming for anyway.

You’ve been racing in Victoria a lot this year as well in the state titles, so that’s obviously good experience for the nationals.

Yeah, the next Victorian round is at Horsham, right before the national, so that’s awesome. Hopefully some fast riders turn up to that and we can get ready against some of the Pro Lites guys from the nationals. That would be really good then.

There have been a lot of KTMs up front in the U19s class, both two- and four-strokes, but you’re one of the guys on the 250Fs. What’s it like racing against the two-strokes? Any advantages or disadvantages?

I don’t really like to race with them that much, but I do think the guys are doing a really good job on them. I’d like to see everyone on 250Fs, but yeah, they are riding really well.

Even if there is an advantage, disadvantage or whatever, it’s making us ride a lot faster. That makes the sport better when we’re racing fast and battling together.

You’re on the new Choice Motorsports KTM team, so how’s that going? You’ve definitely settled in well and getting good results for the team.

Yeah, I couldn’t ask for a better team. They’re all motorcycle enthusiasts, just love going to the races and supporting me as much as I can. That helps a lot and it will continue to help us succeed this year.