Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing will look to re-assert its early season dominance when the MX Nationals visit the factory outfit’s heartland in Wonthaggi this weekend.

A fortnight has passed since the team’s disappointing weekend in Coonabarabran, with both riders going back to basics in order to ensure they improve on fifth place finishes in their respective classes.

Brad Anderson took this week’s press day at Wonthaggi as an opportunity to familiarise himself with the track.

Anderson has re-introduced cycling to his training routine, fitting in a number of 80km+ rides to maintain peak fitness.

He also took on the infamous 1000-step challenge at Fern Tree Gully, finishing in a credible 6-minutes and 30-seconds.

The British champion is determined to beat the bouts of arm pump, which slowed his progress at Round 2.

“It was disappointing to lose the momentum of the opening round after arm pump set in during the second moto at Coonabarabran,” explained Anderson.

“The weekend didn’t go to plan and I’ve tried my hardest to take my fitness and conditioning to another level.

“I have gone back to my traditional training regime riding three 30-minute motos and after yesterday’s session I felt the best I have ever felt.

“I’ve factored in a lot of cycling as well and am feeling much more prepared for the weekend at Wonthaggi which will be a chance to get things back on track.”

Anderson is placed fourth in the MX1 championship standings with 94 points to his name.

MX2 teammate Ford Dale was held back by crashes at the start of both 5-lap motos, costing him the opportunity to show his class-leading speed.

Currently placed third, Dale is eyeing a podium finish to close the gap on current points leader Luke Styke.

“Coonabarabran wasn’t the best weekend, I have worked hard the past two weeks to make sure that is behind me and ensure I’m ready for this weekend,” said Dale.

“I’ve spent the past two weeks at home and tried to ride on sandy tracks to prepare for Wonthaggi.

“I also got the chance to race the Sunshine State Motocross event at Coolum and won both races there which was a good way to work on my racecraft.

“I like the Wonthaggi track – the dirt is good and it’s a fun track to race on. We did some pre-season testing there as well so I’m pretty familiar with it.”

Riders will contest shorter back-to-back motos on Sunday morning before both classes settle in for the regular 30-minute moto to round out the afternoon.

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