Dean Wilson believes continued work on his mental game led to a breakthrough podium at Houston’s 13th round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship last weekend, his first since Indianapolis last year.

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider, who’s currently filling in for reigning champion Jason Anderson, performed strongly in the Triple Crown, racing to a 3-2-5 scorecard for third overall.

The podium comes after a challenging 12 months for the popular contender, who underwent knee surgery in 2018 before being unable to lock down a factory deal for the 2019 season, starting the year out as a privateer.

“Getting back on the podium feels great, it’s been over a year I think,” Wilson commented. “It’s a tough class – I put myself in really good positions in the first two races. I was top three off the start, and man, it helps so much. Overall, my riding has been good, and I’ve just been plugging away.

“All season you have your ups and downs, but you’ve got to keep going. It’s crazy, all of these guys – in the 450 class and the 250s as well – they’re all so fit, they’re fast, so what’s going to really separate them?

“It’s pretty gnarly, and it’s been a bit more of a mental game for me because I feel like I’ve been bucked off the horse a few times and it kind of messes with my brain a little bit. Sometimes I don’t believe in myself like I should, but it’s something I’ve been working on.”

The number 15 sits sixth in the championship rankings as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb leads the series with a 17-point advantage over teammate Marvin Musquin.