A podium at the weekend’s prestigious Manjimup 15,000 in Western Australia has strengthened Kyle Webster’s desire to graduate to the MX1 category, the 23-year-old eyeing a premier class seat for the 2020 season.

The Penrite Pirelli CRF Honda Racing ace transitioned to a CRF450R for the event, putting on a stellar performance against the nations top MX1 riders, including CDR Yamaha Monster Energy duo Kirk Gibbs and Luke Clout, along with Raceline KTM Thor’s Hayden Mellross.

Webster, who had the full support of a local Western Australian crowd, was a prime candidate to take out the 15,000 crown, finishing second in moto one before a damaged wheel in race two saw him relinquish from the fight for the lead. He salvaged seventh and finished the final encounter in second for third overall.

“That second race killed me, I just jumped a little far on one of the singles and broke a heap of spokes in the front wheel,” Webster explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I was scared it was going to collapse and lock up, so I just rode around for the last few laps and it definitely hurt the overall.

“It was still a good day, the track was gnarly as well as riding the 450. I love it, the boys are the top MX1 guys in the Australia, so it’s cool to mix it up with them. Gibbsy was freaking fast in the last one as the track got rougher, so there’s still a bit of learning there for me.

“I’d love to go up to the 450 class if there’s a good ride available, but I’ll just have to see what happens – I like we’re I’m at currently, and it’s only halfway through the year.”

Webster is currently challenging for the MX2 title in the MX Nationals, positioned second in the championship hunt as the series recommences on 23 June at Gympie in Queensland.