CDR Yamaha Monster Energy rider Luke Clout regrets being impatient in the opening moments of moto one at Moree’s Pirelli MX Nationals on Sunday, which forced him into a costly error that ultimately demoted him as the points leader.

Clout was pushed off the circuit exiting turn one, however crashed upon re-entry. Quickly remounting, the New South Welshman recovered to finish out the 15-lap encounter in ninth.

The number four was denied the chance of redeeming himself in race two, which was cancelled after the local hospital reached its capacity ahead of the second round of racing commencing.

“The weekend didn’t go the way I wanted it to, and I was just too impatient on the opening lap,” Clout explained. “I had a reasonable start and tried to get to the front in the first couple of turns but I ended up locking bars with other riders and going down.

“I was a silly thing to do and the team had spoken to me over the last few rounds about minimising the mistakes and keeping myself in contention in every race. I felt I let them down a little on the weekend.

“My motivation is high, and I am determined to make up for it at Coolum. I have won championships there in the past, the bike and team are awesome, and I am fitter than I have ever been. Its not over and I plan on coming out swinging from lap one and won’t stop until it’s over.”

Clout is still right in the title hunt as he holds down second in the rankings, positioned just two points behind DPH Motorsport Husqvarna’s Todd Waters.