Two-time defending SX2 champion Jackson Richardson concedes a successful title defence is unlikely in the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship as he sits seventh in the standings, 32 markers behind leader Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) with just two rounds remaining.

The talented Queenslander was in doubt for series after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this year, however a fast-tracked recovery meant he could line-up for the season-opener in an attempt retain the number one plate.

Richardson, who had inadequate preparation ahead of his campaign, has shown promising signs of progress with an improved outing last weekend at Geelong, although he’s adamant on finishing on the box before the season ends next month at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney.

“The first two rounds were definitely a struggle,” Richardson admitted to MotoOnline.com.au. “I struggled with the race pace and I thought I was going to be ready for it – I got out there and struggled to run the pace of top guys for the duration main event. The format wasn’t the same at Geelong, but my race pace was definitely a lot better.

“It was good to finally make a step in the right direction. I’m looking forward to this weekend, hopefully I can get a better result and the goal really is to end up on the box. For me, where I’m at in the points, it’s more than likely the title is not going to happen.

“I’m just going to keep going for it as best I can and end up as far up in the points as I can – crazier things have happened, but I just want to keep moving forward. Up until the first round I didn’t even know if I was going to be racing, so I’m just happy to be out there.”

The Australian Supercross Championship heads to Port Adelaide in South Australia this Saturday night for round four of the five-stop series.