Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jay Marmont is continuing to lay down the foundations for his Australian Supercross Championship title defence, achieving sixth overall at the weekend’s Swan Hill round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals and steadily growing in confidence.

The multiple national Motocross champion made an uncharacteristically slow start to the 10-round series, but, following a turnaround at Appin, is shaking off the form slump moto by moto.

His efforts (8-7) at Swan Hill were hindered by bad starts, but Marmont retains an optimistic view of his recent results and feels the changes he is making to his program are paying dividends.

“I had bad starts in both motos but I was able to come from the back and work forward which is a good change and another confidence booster,” said Marmont.

“It’s good to be progressing forwards again. My training is paying off, I’m bulking up which I haven’t been able to do for a while and I’m feeling much stronger.”

Though his final championship standing will hardly be indicative of his ability or determination, Marmont is eager to round out the season on a high note in readiness for his Supercross campaign which begins immediately after the Coolum finale.

“We’ve made massive progress lately and I’m extremely positive heading into the final two rounds,” he added. “I’m optimistic of a podium at our home race at Toowoomba and I’m looking forward to Supercross.”

Marmont currently sits eighth on the standings on 333 points. He’ll have a chance to build on his tally when the the penultimate round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals plays out in Toowoomba on 25 August.