Brave Chili to race on at Laguna.

Suzuki's Italian war-horse Frankie Chili has vowed to cut into Colin Edwards' points lead at Laguna Seca this weekend despite having a badly broken collarbone and seven pins in his shoulder.

Chili recognises that Laguna Seca is one of the most physically demanding tracks that the World Superbike regulars visit all year, a fact which has spurred him on in his quest for the World title. Chili rode in considerable pain at Valencia a fortnight ago and managed one top ten finish and one retirement, although he now feels like the wound is healing well.

"I have time on my side and the bone is already knitting back together," said the Italian, who is currently fourth in the championship. "I had a lot of anaesthetic injected into my shoulder at Valencia and it worked well. Laguna Seca should not be a problem for me."

Chili is also hoping that his wretched run of bad luck, which is in danger of dropping him out of the title picture, will also come to an end . Since his brilliant performances at Monza in May where he took a win and a second, Frankie has retired in four of the last six WSB races including his horrific crash at Misano in which his injury occurred.

Vowing to race through any pain he may encounter, Chili's American fan club will no doubt grow during the weekend as the spectacular Italian desperately fights to remain in championship contention.