Todd Waters was second overall at Appin last weekend. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Motul Pirelli Suzuki rider Todd Waters is aware that Moree’s penultimate round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, will be key in his quest to win the 2012 title.

Waters saw retiring CDR Yamaha veteran Josh Coppins increase his lead to 12 points with a vital overall victory at Appin last weekend, making Moree Waters’ most important this season if he is to pressure Coppins into Coolum.

The 21-year-old rode the fuel injected RM-Z450 to the runner-up place overall on Sunday. After opening his account at Appin with a superb victory in the opening moto, Waters maintained consistency with a pair of fourth places to complete the weekend.

“As soon as the track got hard I struggled a little bit, but I’m pumped to get a moto win and have to be happy with that,” Waters explained.

“I’ve got to give it to Josh [Coppins] and Jake [Moss] as they were riding unbelievable today, but I’ve just got to train hard for Moree and try to get that points lead back down.

“I was struggling a little bit with the hard-pack track, it’s just something that I need to work on and it’s going to be fine.

“I’m looking forward to Moree and Coolum, just putting this behind me and coming out hard for those weekends coming up.”

Waters finished with podium results at both Moree and Coolum last season, despite missing much of the season through injury.