Cougar Bourbon Honda Thor Racing’s Todd Waters believes the longer races in the format at this weekend’s Dunedin round of the Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, will work to his benefit.
With this weekend’s Open class featuring a pair of 12-lap races in the Double Header main event, Waters is confident he can bounce back after a lacklustre showing in Auckland last weekend for the entire team.
Waters rued missed opportunities last weekend when he was hindered by average starts and the shorter race format. Sitting sixth in the championship, he feels the Double Header format in Dunedin will allow him to make back lost ground.
“I really think these longer races will suit me better,” said Waters. “In Auckland my starts weren’t great and the one-line track made passing and getting back through the pack very difficult.
“I’ve spent most of the week riding and getting my starts sorted. I also had the chance to spend a day riding with Josh Hansen and was able to pace myself and get a measure for how I was riding against him.
“I’m feeling much better and more relaxed about this format, I know I can ride a consistent race over a 12-lap duration and have the fitness to match the pace of any of the guys out there.”
Waters is sixth in the race for Open class honours, 10 points behind fellow Cougar Bourbon Honda Thor racer Daniel Reardon who maintained his top five standing despite a tough night in Auckland.
Lites rider Kade Mosig also looks forward to extended races on Saturday night, the Lites class featuring a pair of 10-lap races.
“I went home looking to put the disappointment of last week behind me,” said Mosig. “I’ve had three days of solid riding and I’ve been mixing it up and trying a few different things with my trainer. I’m trying to keep it fresh and I’m really pushing myself.
“Obviously I’ve had a quite bit of bad luck, but I also believe you make your own luck so I’ve been working hard on my starts. I know I’ve got good speed but I if I can get a good start, then the rest will fall into place nicely.
“I honestly think the Double Header race format is great because the 10 laps give you a bit more time.”
After Auckland, Mosig was placed 12th on the standings but a close concentration of riders in the latter half of the top 10 means he can make significant inroads with a good result this weekend.