Determined to remain in the hunt for the 2010 title, Cougar Bourbon Honda Thor Racing Pro Open rider Todd Waters will race in this weekend’s MX Nationals round at Newcastle despite undergoing surgery just one week ago.

The 19-year-old is set to make a comeback following a torturous fourth round of the series where he broke his collarbone on Toowoomba’s Echo Valley Circuit, losing his championship lead.

Following an operation early last Tuesday to insert a metal plate, Waters is undergoing rigorous physiotherapy to regain his strength before taking to the track at Newcastle’s Barleigh Ranch.

Currently third in the championship on 171 points, the red plate holder is eager to show off his skills while ensuring the safety of his fracture.

“I am not counting myself out of the championship yet,” Waters said. “We have a lot of races to go and as there is a fair chance some of the other riders may have some bad luck as well, as we saw with Billy Mackenzie in Canberra.

“My goal for Newcastle this weekend is to try and get through the event with a good result that will keep me in touch with Jay [Marmont] and Tye [Simmonds]. After this weekend there is three weeks off which will give my collarbone a chance to heal. After that, it will be game on, I will be back out trying to win races.”

The fifth round of the MX Nationals will be held at Newcastle’s Barleigh Ranch on Sunday, 30 May.

Click here for our exclusive Moto Talk interview with Waters, uploaded today.