Consistency is key in Billy Mackenzie’s 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals Australian Motocross Championship MX1 campaign.

The CDR Yamaha rider suffered an up-and-down day at Appin’s sixth round of the series, slowly finding his groove during the day after a sub-par qualifying and moto one performance.

Mackenzie took a 10th place finish from moto one before rebounding in moto two with a strong third place ride to finish the day on a more positive note.

“Qualifying and moto one were a disaster,” Mackenzie said. “I just felt really uncomfortable and couldn’t ride the way I wanted to and I got frustrated.”

Although his moto two performance was improved, the Scotsman admits he will need to up his consistency if he wants to take a shot at the premier class title.

“Moto two was better but I can’t keep having these up and down days if I want to win this championship,” he added. “I need to get it sorted ASAP.”

Team owner Craig Dack believes there will be plenty of wins coming Mackenzie’s way if he can come out strong and put together a full day of solid results.

“Billy just needs to get his day underway better and not get into the one bad moto, one good moto rut,” Dack explained. “He needs to come out firing from the moment he hits the track and when he strings it together I’m sure there will be plenty of wins coming his way.”

Mackenzie’s teammate Lawson Bopping had a much smoother day at Appin with a fourth overall in the MX1 class using 4-6 moto results.

“It was a better day for me as I was able to get some better track position early in the races and not have to pass my way forward,” Bopping said.

“It’s still not where I want to be, but I felt I made some progress today and it was the best result I have had in the last few rounds.”

Mackenzie currently sits third overall in the MX1 standings, 36 points behind series leader Todd Waters. Bopping holds down fifth place currently a further 20 points behind his teammate.