Cairns-born Todd Waters has been one of the revelations so far in this year’s Monster Energy MX Nationals. Now under the Motul Suzuki tent after three years with Honda, the likeable 21-year-old is rapidly becoming a force to reckon with in the MX1 class. We tracked Todd down and asked him five of the curliest questions we could think up.

Why the sudden surge in your pace and form this year?

You know, the weird thing is I actually don’t feel as prepared this year as I was last year. In 2011 I started off the best ever and things were looking really good, but I had a crash while testing and broke my wrist. That was a bit of a bugger.

This year I’ve had to come to terms with a new team, new bike, and get the bike set up for me. It all takes time to come to terms with and I actually entered Conondale feeling not prepared at all! I was pumped to come away from there with a third overall.

I’ve tried to change my riding style to be more like how I used to ride in juniors, where I’m more relaxed and try and flow with the bike more. I think that’s definitely helping this year. I felt great in qualifying at Coonabarabran (Waters qualified second fastest behind Lawson Bopping) but I just couldn’t get a decent start.

Why did you change to Suzuki?

I’d been with Honda for three years and decided to mix it up. I had some good times with Honda and held the red plate with them, but my career is short and I thought I’d try something different. I really enjoyed the company of the Honda team and we parted ways on good terms.

Why do you think there are more trucks in the pits this year?
I have no idea! When I go to sign contracts each year the teams all say the economy is getting tougher and tougher, but it certainly doesn’t look that way when you look at the pits.

I think the promoters and media are doing a good job of promoting the sport and the outside sponsors are starting to take notice. The support of the outside-industry companies is definitely helping and it’s very cool to see.

Why doesn’t motocross or supercross attract as many fans as league or AFL?

That’s a tricky question. Motocross is such a cool sport. I’ll watch footy or tennis, and even though I enjoy it, it’s not as cool as racing.

I think the high ticket prices don’t help and it can be pretty expensive for a family to come along and sit in a deck chair in the sun and watch some bikes. Maybe we need to look at ways of looking after the crowds a lot more. At the footy they’ll shoot tees into the stands and make sure there’s other entertainment going on. I think motocross can learn a few things like that.

Why do you think we’re seeing a larger number of Kiwis and international riders contesting the Australian series?

It’s because Australia is such a great country and they all want to be like us. A lot of Kiwis try and change their accents to try and fit in and be cool, and it makes sense – we’re pretty good looking and quite clever. [laughs]

Nah I think they see Australia as a stepping stone for their career, much like we view the USA. The New Zealand riders are professionals and there’s a lot more money in the sport here than in NZ, so it’s an obvious step for them to take.