Preparing to re-assert himself as a championship contender in the Supercross Masters Series, Team Shift Motul Suzuki's Luke Burkhart demonstrated a significant improvement in form at the penultimate round of the 2006 Motocross Nationals Championship in Newcastle (NSW).

Returning last week from a two-month injury lay-off, Burkhart struggled to complete the two 30-minute motos at Broadford, but within one week had turned his race fitness around for the Newcastle event.

A massive advancement in competitive form saw the 22-year-old deliver a tenacious performance to finish in the top ten overall for the event, despite crashes in both races.

After a minor incident in race one, Burkhart charged through the field to make up over twenty positions, demonstrating both the speed of the RM-Z450 and his own radically improved fitness.

Team Shift Motul Suzuki will use the final Motocross Nationals round at Coolum (QLD) next week as further preparation for Burkhart before the Supercross Masters Series resumes in Brisbane on 29 July.

LUKE BURKHART
"My racing was 100% better this week - I've been training hard and I am feeling pretty good.

"Lee Ellis fell on me during the opening lap of race one and I rejoined at the rear of the pack.

"I was able to push much harder than last week, and worked my way through the field to get up into tenth spot.

"In race two, I made a solid start and was having a good run. I got past Craig Anderson before I was caught out with lapped traffic and had another minor crash.

"I lost a few spots and it probably cost me fourth place for the race.

"The track was in great condition with plenty of passing opportunities and, with my body in much better shape than last week, my speed is coming back allowing me to ride a lot better.

"The Suzuki RM-Z450 is awesome and come time for Supercross we should be a really strong package."

JAY FOREMAN - TEAM MANAGER
"Last week in Broadford, Luke really struggled to hang on the bike for two motos and had to pull out of the second race.

"This week he not only made the distance, but was able to regain ground after minor crashes in both races, so his race fitness has really improved.

"Luke will focus on Supercross training over the next couple of weeks and, at this rate, he will be back to peak form when the championship resumes in two weeks.

"After two rounds, Luke is sitting in fourth place in Supercross and will be a contender to take the title for Suzuki."