Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Austin Stroupe still confident he can still win the Monster Energy Eastern Regional Lites Supercross Series and with his consistent form is still in with a shot.
Stroupe sits in second place on 134 points, 8 adrift of championship leader Christophe Pourcel.
Stroupe's season started with some extra race practice when he filled in for injured Australian Jake Moss in the 450 class.
"My team mate Matt Moss was injured just before the season started and I unexpectedly got the opportunity to start the season in the Supercross Class, which was really cool. Riding the factory RM-Z450 was a good warm up to my Lites season. I had some really good starts and even led laps," Stroup said.
Having impressed with his speed in the big class Stroupe then dropped back to his championship class.
"I got back on the RM-Z250 for the start of the Eastern Regional Lites Series and I've been really consistent. My consistent results are building my confidence every time I'm on the racetrack. Roger DeCoster's confidence in bringing me to the team really motivated me and I've been really focused this year.
"The entire Rockstar Makita Suzuki team has really helped me: They're all behind me 100 per cent, which is important to know when you roll up to that starting gate. Roger (DeCoster) has been really looking out for me and helping me progress throughout the season.
"Right now I'm in second place in the Lites East Series and I've been on the podium at every round except for one. I'm happy to be consistently finishing on the podium and I'm trying to get my first win of the season every weekend. I'm right there, every race, and I'm pushing hard. I want to win races, but if I can't get the win, finishing on the podium is where I need to be to stay in the Championship hunt and I am focused on the title.
"The Championship is still within my reach and that's my goal; to win it. I have a great team supporting me, one of the greatest riders and team managers in history mentoring me, strong support from my family, and a great bike to ride. At the end of the day I'm having fun and looking forward to racing every weekend," Stroupe concluded.
