Western Australian Connor Tierney is aiming to be a top five regular in the upcoming Pirelli MX Nationals, which will see him enter his second season in the premier MX1 category.

Tierney, who will once again pilot a Yamaha YZ450F in a self-managed operation, embarks on his first pre-season in years after previously coming off major surgeries in his last three campaigns, forcing the number 16 to continually be underprepared when round one rolls by.

The added seat time and ability to be at full-fitness has promoted confidence in the 21-year-old, and he’s adamant on making the step-up in 2019 to be within the lead group of riders in the talent-filled division.

“I’ll pretty much be doing the same thing with a few different people behind me, and I’ll be on the 450 again,” Tierney explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I had an alright year last year, so I’ll use that as a stepping stone. I’ll be coming out with a good pre-season for the first time in three years, so I’ll see what I can do with that.

“In 2016 I had a knee reconstruction, in 2017 I had another knee reconstruction and last year it was a shoulder reconstruction. I’m going to be fit at the first and won’t be playing catch up – I can keep building throughout the year.

“I want to make that step-up – I don’t want be just off that fast group, I want to be in there battling with those fast dudes – a top five guy is the plan. I’m going to work to make it happen.”

Tierney wound up 14th in the standings last year after an ankle injury sidelined him halfway through, although he still managed to record a number of impressive results. The opening round of the MX Nationals is scheduled for 17 March at Appin in New South Wales.