Kiwi Cody Cooper finished 13th at Murray Bridge upon return from injury. Image: Alex Gobert.

Rockstar Motul Suzuki’s Jay Foreman has credited Kiwi Pro Open contender Cody Cooper following his comeback ride in Sunday’s fourth round of the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals.

Cooper had been forced to sit out the Raymond Terrace round with a rib injury and collapsed lung sustained at Appin, however he returned to action at Murray Bridge in South Australia for 13th overall with 7-10-21-DNF results.

“Cody gave it his best shot this weekend,” Foreman commented. “It was always a big ask to come back four weeks after breaking ribs and collapsing a lung, but we know how tough Cody is and nothing would have kept him off the bike this weekend.

“We have a weekend off now so another two week break will only help Cody in his recovery. Cody holeshot two races so his starts were good, his speed was okay, we just need to get him back to riding without pain from the injury.”

Foreman also believes that Lites rider Dan McCoy’s fourth place overall will keep him in the title hunt, the result boosting him to fourth in the standings within sight of the top three.

“Daniel showed how professional he is out there today,” Foreman said. “He rode really consistent which is why he is where he is in the championship. We will continue to work on Daniel’s starts so he gets the jump on his rivals.”

The series will now move to Toowoomba in Queensland for round five on 22 May.