CDR Yamaha’s Lawson Bopping is focusing on a solid second half of the 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals with some of his preferred sofer terrain circuits coming up over the next five rounds.

Although the poor starts have hindered his chances to capitalise on his obvious track speed, Bopping has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the opening five rounds.

Bopping currently sits in fifth overall in the MX1 championship and with several of the final five round tracks among his favourite, the 2012 Hervey Bay round winner looks forward to moving up the ladder.

“It’s been a so-so year so far,” said Bopping. “I have had some good races and rounds where I have raced really well, then some not so good rounds where I just couldn’t get into my groove. Broadford was probably the worst as I just struggled with the wet and rutty track.

“But three of the next five rounds are on softer dirt where I seem to race my best. I had success at Hervey Bay last year, I like Coolum and the dirt at Swann Hill looks awesome so I can’t wait.”

Bopping believes that he can contend for wins if he rides to his potential and puts the pieces of the puzzle together during the final five rounds.

“I know if I put it all together and ride to my potential then I will be right in the mix for race and round wins,” he added. “So the focus for the last half of the championship is to get back to basics and ride my bike properly; good starts, fast laps and all the way to the finish line.”

The 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals series will return at Appin in New South Wales on 14 July for the sixth round of 10.