A rear shock adjustment prior to the main event is what Dakota Alix believes boosted his competitiveness in the hotly-contested SX2 category at Saturday’s second round of the Australian Supercross Championship in Coolum, Queensland.

A suggestion from long-time KTM and WP suspension guru Danny Apro led the American to make the critical change, which ultimately saw him wind up fifth on the results sheet at the conclusion of the 15-lap encounter.

While the result on paper marks a one position improvement from Jimboomba’s opener, the KTM Motocross Racing Team contender was right in the mix for a podium, as just 4.454s separated him from eventual victory Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing)

“I started riding well in the main event after struggling most of the day, as I came down with the flu this week,” Alix explained. “Luckily Danny Apro made a suggestion to change the shock setting for me and that really helped in the main. I ended up fifth and was really close to podium – it was a fun race, but I would’ve really liked to have been on the podium!”

Alix’s improvements haven’t gone unnoticed by team manager and former multi-time Australian champion Jay Marmont, who highlighted the 22-year-old’s ability to challenge in the lead group of riders.

“Dakota was awesome as well,” said Marmont. “He placed inside the top five, but it was so close you could’ve thrown a blanket over them. He was in the fight, which is positive to see. The boys have been putting a lot of effort in and you can tell that in their riding.”

The number eight currently sits fifth in the championship rankings as the series heads to Geelong in Victoria this Saturday for round three on the five-stop calendar.