Monster Energy Kawasaki's Open riders ready for 2012 MX Nats

Ahead of the opening round, much of the talk has centred around four-time Pro Open (now renamed MX1) champion Jay Marmont's switch to Kawasaki for 2012. Jay has achieved phenomenal success to date. Now, with the new season about to kick off, Jay will combine his outright speed, consistency and huge heart with his new Kawasaki KX 450F. Marmont will wear the coveted #1 plate for the MX series season opener (and SX series later this year), and be gunning for his 5th consecutive MX title.

"I'm really looking forward to the 1st round this weekend," Marmont said. "I'm happy with where we're at with the KX450F and the team. I'm keen and eager to go!"

Marmont's main rival from the past two seasons of Pro Open competition, Billy Mackenzie, is now his team mate, which will make the 2012 season even more intriguing. A multiple World Championship GP winner, Mackenzie has achieved a lot so far in his stellar MX career. Billy's phenomenal speed and ability to nail holeshot after holeshot has elevated him to the ranks of the world's best. Although he has won multiple British Championships, Mackenzie has yet to add an Australian MX Championship crown to his impressive list of achievements.

"I'm excited and looking forward to getting some racing in," Mackenzie said of the season ahead. "My dad's over so that's cool. It'll feel like racing as a youth again. I'm looking forward to running my new number and getting out there."

While it's a case of "situation normal" for Mackenzie and Monster Energy Kawasaki in 2012, there will be one change of note in the form of the race number "Billy Mac" will be running this year. After campaigning '211' since his arrival here, Mackenzie will ride with '18' for the 2012 season.

In addition to their powerhouse MX1 squad, Monster Energy Kawasaki will also field a title contender in the MX2 (Pro Lites) class in Kade Mosig. The green machines will also be represented in the 'MXD' Under 19 development series, with Ben George (Axis Motorsports Kawasaki) and current Australian Women's MX Champ, Meghan Rutledge, taking part on their KX 250F machines.

With the Kawasaki KX450F and KX250F motorcycles dialed in and on song, the mechanics and team management ready, and boasting an all-star line-up of highly talented and healthy riders, Monster Energy Kawasaki head into the 2012 season confident of success.

The 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals Australian Motocross Championship kicks off at Conondale this Sunday, April 1.