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In an electrifying start to round five of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship at Queensland Raceway, Josh Waters has made headlines by snagging the pole position with an impressive lap time of 1:07.267 on his McMartin Racing Ducati. This achievement not only marks his first pole at this venue but also solidifies his reputation as a serious contender in the championship. Isn’t it exciting to see such fierce competition on the track?
Qualifying Highlights
Waters’ performance during qualifying was nothing short of spectacular. He set the pace right from the start, challenging his competitors to keep up. Although championship rival Mike Jones from Yamaha Racing Team made a strong push with a time of 1:07.380, Waters held onto his lead. Glenn Allerton from Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati also made strides but ultimately fell short with a lap time of 1:07.498. This pole position is significant for Waters, marking his third top starting spot this season and the 17th of his illustrious career. Who wouldn’t want to be in his shoes right now?
Waters expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m just so happy to be on pole for the first time at Queensland Raceway. I was fairly nervous in qualifying, but I managed to use the same set of tyres in both sessions, so I’m in a good position to attack over the weekend.” A shout-out is due to his team for preparing such a competitive machine that has shown tremendous potential this season.
Race Weekend Format and Expectations
The weekend promises to be thrilling, with three 15-lap races scheduled: one on Saturday at 11:45 am and two on Sunday at 8:55 am and 1:55 pm. Fans can look forward to the SW-Motech Superbikes sharing the spotlight with the Supercars paddock, a collaboration that hasn’t been seen since 2023. Doesn’t that sound like a recipe for an electrifying atmosphere and a diverse crowd?
Reflecting on his past experiences at Queensland Raceway, Waters admitted that it was once a challenging circuit for him. However, his recent success, including a victory earlier this year, has clearly shifted the tides in his favor. He will face stiff competition, particularly from Jones and Allerton, who have both demonstrated their capabilities. Remember Allerton’s impressive last-to-first victory in wet conditions earlier this season? That adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming races!
Current Standings and Future Outlook
As the championship unfolds, Waters currently leads the Superbike standings with 216 points, followed closely by Jones with 162 points and West with 158 points. The competition remains fierce, with Pearson, Allerton, and Stauffer also hot on their heels, making every upcoming race crucial for their championship aspirations. Are you ready for some nail-biting action?
This weekend at Queensland Raceway could be pivotal for both Waters and his rivals, as the outcomes will significantly influence the standings heading into the latter part of the season. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how the dynamics will unfold, especially with the added pressure of competing on a circuit that has historically presented both challenges and opportunities for riders. What do you think will happen on the track?