Podium finishes are the name of the game for Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha rider Luke Styke as he continues his 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals MX2 championship campaign.

Styke, currently leading the MX2 standings, found himself battling through riders at Appin’s round eight of the series. Bad starts and minimal passing opportunities proved to make the job hard for the New South Wales native.

With 5-4-2 moto scores, Styke was able to salvage a fourth place overall finish. But arch-rival Ford Dale scored the overall win, stealing five valuable championship points away from the Yamaha rider.

“I found the track hard to pass on today and in the first two motos, I was back a little way and just couldn’t go forward,” said Styke. “Moto three and I was in the top three early in the race and was able to finish second, a much better start and my speed was better also without so much traffic.”

With just two rounds remaining in the series, Styke knows anything can happen and will work towards putting himself inside the top three in every race.

“It’s a handy lead, but with so many good riders in the field I have to keep my training and preparation up and work towards getting in the top three every race,” he added. “So, it’s right back to work tomorrow and stay on my regular routine.”

Styke’s lead has now dropped to 31 points over Dale. The series now rolls into Moree on 19 August for round nine of the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals.