CDR Yamaha’s Dylan Long is pleased to be seeing progress following improved 11-10 results at Shepparton’s seventh round of the Motul MX Nationals, crediting the Victorian 10th overall at the seventh stop of the series.

After missing several rounds while being sidelined with a pre-season wrist injury, Long made his return to racing at Nowra’s sixth round just over two weeks ago.

The highly-popular talent declared he still has a long way to go before returning to his usual form, revealing his enhanced performance last weekend was a positive sign.

“When I look back at Nowra, it wasn’t great,” Long explained. “But I was at least on the track in racing conditions and I could see what I needed to work on. This week I was able to race with a little more intensity and my fitness level was certainly better as I was able to maintain my speed for longer periods in the race.

“I still have a long way to go but it’s nice to see some small steps forward and some progress on the track. Hopefully I can continue to improve as the rounds progress and be back where I belong before the championship is over.”

With just three rounds remaining in the Motul MX Nationals, Long has a limited amount of time to showcase his potential aboard the factory Yamaha YZ450F outdoors, before he takes on the Australian Supercross Championship later this year.