Image: Foremost Media.

A career-best fifth place finish in the premier class at Moree’s Pirelli MX Nationals has injected confidence into Richie Evans as the series wraps up this weekend with a double-header finale at Coolum in Queensland.

The Yamalube Yamaha Racing contender rode strongly in the sole 15-lap outing, holding down fourth for much of the race before crossing the line in a well-earned fifth position.

“Fifth is a good result and one that I am happy with,” said Evans. “I was able to get a good start and run with the lead group and found that they weren’t really getting away. I tried to stay calm and keep pace with Brett Metcalfe who was a couple of seconds ahead of me.

“Dylan Long closed in and past me just past half way and I made a mistake which cost me a few seconds, but I was able to keep my composure and finish fifth.”

Racing was reduced to just the opening motos after the local hospital reached its capacity, calling for promoter WEM to declare the event. Evans is ranked eighth in the championship standings ahead of this weekend’s finals in Queensland.