Image: Foremost Media.

New AUSX SX2 points-leader Ryder Kingsford says it’s business as usual heading into Adelaide’s season-finale, the Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha rider’s mindset unchanged in search of race wins – and the title – entering the title-deciding final round.

Kingsford earned the red plate after teammate and former red plate-holder Lux Turner was ruled out for the series, fracturing his right wrist in a crash during free practice in Melbourne.

Still needing to deliver when it counted, the 19-year-old Kingsford posted 3-2 finishes for third overall at the AUSX Open, taking charge of the championship lead by 12 points over Alex Larwood (NFAL Honda Racing).

“The championship has definitely flipped on its head quite a bit over the last few days,” Kingsford told MotoOnline. “Obviously, Lux had a crash in practice, which I don’t like to see for anyone, because if I’m going to race someone and be competitive, I like to do it fair and square.

“But, I have the red plate coming into the last round. I felt like I rode okay in Melbourne, I still think I had some improvements to make, but all-in-all, I extended the points on second and really set myself up this weekend.”

After the Marvel Stadium weekend, title rival Larwood said that he’d do ‘anything it takes’ to claim the SX2 title, with Kingsford needing to manage his advantage across the two-final format at the Adelaide Grand Final.

“I mean, if you’re in his position, you’re going to want to do whatever you can to win – I would too,” he added. “I just focus forward. I still want to win this weekend – I want to go 1-1 in the finals.

“I want to finish on top and really show that this was the year I finally put my best foot forward and got myself a championship, as well as race wins and podiums. So I think the plan for this weekend is just like it always is – go in, get two good starts, win the races, and go from there.”