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In a world where the stakes are always high and the engines roar like thunder, Josh Waters has turned the tide at Morgan Park Raceway. Once labeled as a ‘bogey track’ for him, this round of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship was anything but ordinary. June 15 marked a day when Waters not only faced his demons but smashed them into oblivion, leaving his competitors gasping for breath in his wake.
Race one: A dramatic start
With the sun blazing down and the crowd buzzing, race one was a spectacle of adrenaline and sheer determination. The track, a grueling 2.96km stretch, saw Waters take his McMartin Racing Ducati to victory with an impressive 1-2 scorecard. But let’s not sugarcoat it; this race was more than just a ride in the park. It showcased the kind of chaos that makes motorsports the intoxicating affair it is. Mike Jones, the so-called ‘circuit guru’, had his dreams dashed when his Yamaha gave up the ghost on lap four. Talk about a buzzkill! With Jones out of the picture, Waters cruised through the remaining laps like a hot knife through butter, finishing a comfortable 2.7 seconds ahead of Broc Pearson, who was locked in a fierce battle with Anthony West and Cameron Dunker for the second spot.
A rookie’s debut and unexpected falls
Let’s not forget about the fresh faces in the crowd. Jack Favelle, a rookie who evidently had more guts than sense, managed to snag fifth place. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; the race claimed its victims, with young gun Jonathan Nahlous crashing out early on. Such is the nature of racing—one moment you’re on top of the world, the next you’re face-to-face with the asphalt. It’s a harsh reality that separates the wheat from the chaff.
Race two: The comeback king
As the sun dipped lower and the tension ramped up, race two kicked off with all eyes on Jones, who was back and ready to reclaim his glory. Waters, however, had other plans. He shot off the line like a bullet, but Jones quickly slipped into third, showcasing a level of skill that’s hard to ignore. The two battled fiercely, with Jones eventually overtaking Waters on lap 12. Yet, Waters didn’t seem too bothered; he settled for a solid second place, allowing Jones to bask in the limelight this time. Let’s face it: the real victory for Waters was in the overall standings. He’s playing the long game, and it’s paying off big time.
Reflections on a triumphant day
After the races, Waters couldn’t hide his satisfaction. “I am just so happy with how this round has gone,” he admitted, a glimmer of relief in his voice. It’s all too easy to forget the pressure that these riders are under, battling not just their opponents but their own histories and fears. For Waters, to win at a track that had previously haunted him feels like a weight lifted off his shoulders. And let’s not overlook Jones’ impressive performance; it’s a reminder that the battle isn’t over yet. With a 53-point gap at the halfway mark of the championship, the next rounds promise to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and fierce rivalries.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, the ASBK circus rolls into Queensland Raceway for round five from August 8-10. The anticipation is palpable, with Jones and Waters both eager to prove themselves once more. Will Waters maintain his momentum, or will Jones rise from the ashes like a phoenix? The drama, the speed, and the unpredictable nature of racing keep fans on the edge of their seats, and one thing’s for sure: this season is far from over.