Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing’s Luke Styke took a different more reserved approach to Horsham’s seventh round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals, and the decision paid off well for the current MX2 points leader.

Styke struggled throughout qualifying in the wet and tricky conditions, himself and the team decided to make a plan which involved riding well inside his comfort level to be sure of a solid finish.

At the end of the day a 7-6-4 result for Styke earned him fifth overall, this result is far from outstanding for the multi-time round winner, but the smart riding proved to be great damage control in his bid for the MX2 title.

“I didn’t feel good on the bike all weekend. Looking back, I was probably trying to override the track in qualifying and it just wasn’t working for me,” said Styke. “But, as a team we come up with a plan to not do anything stupid, not ride over my head and get as many points as I can.

“We were able to do that so considering how I rode, the points damage was okay and we can start fresh at the Appin round which is almost like a home track for me.”

Round eight of the Monster Energy MX Nationals will get underway on 29 July in New South Wales at the Appin complex.