Ranch MX’s double-header stop of the Pirelli MX Nationals proved to be one of Jayden Rykers’ strongest rounds of the year in what has been challenging campaign so far.

The Raceline Pirelli KTM rider says his improved 4-9 and 9-8 scorecards that credited him sixth and ninth overall respectively are encouraging heading into the final two rounds of the series.

In addition, the Western Australian talent lodged one of the fastest time in qualifying, however a penalty later relegated him to 13th position.

“Saturday started off not too bad, it was a shame about being penalised, but I was seventh off the start in my first race, I found my groove and made it into fourth,” Rykers explained. “It was a track that was very difficult to pass on so we were really happy with fourth.

“Then on Sunday in my first moto I was in about fourth but I just struggled to find a set up that I was comfortable with on the track. I pumped up a bit in my races but all in all it was definitely a step in the right direction – it’s nice to walk away from a race healthy and not worrying about any new or old injuries.

“I actually really enjoyed the format on the weekend, but not so much the track that it was on – it was quite one lined and difficult to pass on which meant that it wasn’t as good of a race track. I’m happy with the weekend, we had a lot happen in the first half of the season so to come away from a round with some results to build off is really encouraging.”

The MX2 contender is currently situated 17th in the championship standings with 140 points still up for grabs as four motos still remain to be run.