Wollongong victor Luke Clout is hopeful strong performances at this weekend’s Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland followed by the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne will draw international attention to his name, suggesting his desire to compete in America is still strong.

The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy rider has had a breakthrough season since joining the powerhouse squad, earning a maiden premier class victory in the MX Nationals, while most recently earning a career-first SX1 win in New South Wales last weekend.

The New South Welshman, a former MX2 champion, saw his time in America during 2016 cut short when his two-year deal was scrapped following the collapse of his team. He has since contested the premier category in Australia.

Currently positioned strongly in the Australian Supercross Championship with two rounds to go, which will also make up the 2019 Monster Energy S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship, Clout is confident he can take it to the added American talent, which includes former AMA Supercross champions Jason Anderson and Chad Reed.

“The way I’m riding, I believe I can take it to the Americans,” Clout told MotoOnline.com.au following his Wollongong victory. “I’m there to get my name out, because I believe I can go to the US and do good things. Obviously, I need to prove that. Getting some wins, doing qualifying and doing what I am doing, I think I am proving it.”

Clout sits just three points shy of three-time defending Australian champion and AMA Supercross regular Justin Brayton (Penrite Honda Racing) ahead of New Zealand’s stop this Saturday night.