"We've just got to keep bring it home from here to the end of the season," said Mladin. "I am aiming for anther strong finish and then hopefully we can start thinking about the championship."

The Team Yoshimura Suzuki rider, who hails from Camden, south west of Sydney, left last weekend's `Double Header' round at Mid Ohio with a win and a second that helped extend his points lead over his closest rival Eric Bostrom. He will be looking for another equally strong performance this weekend at Brainerd International Raceway, where round 11 of the championship will be run.

"Brainerd is actually one of my favourite tracks in America," added Mladin. "I haven't won there before, but did finish a very close second to Miguel DuHamel last year. The new Suzuki GSX-R750 has been running strong and fast and this has given me the confidence of a good result this weekend."

Of the ten rounds held this season, Mladin has won on four occasions - Daytona, Road Atlanta, Road America and Mid Ohio, but is yet to record a win at any of the remaining circuits in this years championship.

Mladin has also been nothing less than sensational during qualifying as he has qualified on pole position for every round this year.

The 4.828km (3.0 mile) Brainerd layout is certain to provide fans with more of the fast, close racing that has been seen so far this season. Mladin will be kept honest by former Brainerd winners DuHamel and Bostrom, while also keeping an eye on the overall picture.

Points after 10 of 14 rounds
Mat Mladin 331 points
Eric Bostrom 286
Doug Chandler 239
Tommy Hayden 228
Nicky Hayden 228

Round 11: 29 July Brainerd
Round 12: 26 August Pikes Peak
Round 13: 16 Sept Willow Springs
Round 14: 30 Sept Virginia