Image: Supplied.

Front-running speed was on display throughout RedBud’s SMX Next Scouting Moto Combine for Australian talent Kayd Kingsford, who qualified second fastest before 6-3 moto scores earned him fourth overall.

Competing in Quad Lock Honda colours – the partner effort to his Honda Racing team at home – the 18-year-old was competitive throughout the weekend against America’s leading up-and-coming amateurs and missing the overall podium by just two points.

“I think my speed was good all weekend with P2 in qualifying,” recalled Kingsford. “I was running third with the top two boys for like half of moto one, and then Sunday I got off to a pretty average start, and my first couple of laps were a bit rough, losing a couple positions.

“[I] ended up digging pretty deep and passed for P3 on the last lap there with a couple corners to go. So, third in that one, and today’s performance on paper was a lot better. But overall, the speed all weekend was good, and I think we were a couple points off the podium.”

RedBud marked a significant improvement from last year’s Ironman National, where Kingsford’s weekend was derailed from the outset after sustaining a wrist injury in practice. Additional preparation paid dividends this time around, but adapting to America’s summer conditions still proved a challenge.

“We took what we could from last year and applied it to this year – and obviously it has worked,” he continued. “I’ve improved massively, so I think it’s not so much speed – that’s definitely there – it’s just hard coming from our winter to their summer, it’s very hot. But the progress is there, and it’ll come in time.”

Currently ranked second in the ProMX MX2 standings – just 10 points behind teammate Alex Larwood – Kingsford returns to Australia aiming to continue his title charge in his rookie professional season at Traralgon’s sixth round this Sunday.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Carson Wood claimed victory in the SMX Next Scouting Moto Combine with a perfect 1-1 scorecard, ahead of Landon Gibson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) and Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Kade Johnson.