Image: Foremost Media.

Cementing a deal with Empire Kawasaki to complete the remainder of the Pirelli MX Nationals has added purpose says Lawson Bopping, after he was initially drafted in as a replacement rider on a round to round basis.

The popular New South Welshman filled in for Dylan Long during rounds two and three of the series, while the team retained his services for Murray Bridge’s double-header, which saw the outfit expand to three riders with the return of Long as well as MXD regular Deakin Healier.

Bopping hadn’t contested an MX Nationals in three years prior to his comeback this season, since making a number of impressive performances. While the deal is motocross-only at this stage, his new-found focus of the completing the season remainder has come as a relief for the number 70.

“It’s just for the motocross series at this stage, but hopefully I’ll stay on board for supercross,” Bopping revealed to MotoOnline.com.au. “Ideally, it would be good stay on the team for the whole season. It’s really cool, it just started out as a fill-in ride for one race, and now it’s turned out to be a nine-round gig – I’m stoked with it.

“It’s a relief – the deal is cemented now, so now I can just focus on riding and training. Before, I didn’t know if I going to be able make it to the next round – I didn’t do a whole bunch of motos or riding from Wonthaggi to Murray Bridge – I did more between Broadford and Murray Bridge – but it’s a relief that the deal is done and that they’re keeping me on for motocross.

“I can live and breathe motocross for the next few months. It’s good having a goal – I’ve got more purpose now going training and doing my motos, so that’s really cool and I’m enjoying it. I just want to keep improving and get through this motocross series healthy. I really enjoy riding the Kawasaki – it’s a great bike.”

Bopping is ranked 11th in the MX1 championship standings after completing the four of the first five rounds.