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In a significant development in the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, Josh Waters has secured his fifth championship title at The Bend Motorsport Park. The rider from McMartin Racing Ducati entered the final round with a commanding 50-point lead, setting the stage for a pivotal day in his racing career.
As the pressure mounted, Waters concentrated on the qualifying rounds, understanding that a strong performance would reaffirm his championship status. He qualified in fifth place, while his nearest rival, Mike Jones from the Yamaha Racing Team, encountered difficulties and failed to achieve pole position. This outcome positioned Waters to effectively clinch the championship even before the races commenced.
A remarkable journey for Waters
Waters has achieved a historic milestone in his racing career, securing his fifth Superbike title. His journey to this achievement has been marked by significant dedication and skill since his first championship win in 2009. He added titles in 2012, 2017, and most recently, 2025. Each championship reflects his hard work and the steadfast support of his team and loved ones.
Reflecting on past successes
“When I first started in road racing, I admired Shawn Giles and wondered if I could ever reach that level,” Waters said, recalling his early days in the sport. “Winning five championships against such formidable competition is incredibly special. This year has been particularly meaningful due to the amazing support from my team, my family, and my training partners.”
As he prepared for the final races, Waters remained cognizant of the challenges ahead. Even if Jones were to win both races on Sunday, calculations indicated that Waters would still secure the championship due to his significant points lead.
The competition heats up
While Waters celebrated his achievements, other classes within the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) were also generating excitement. In the Kawasaki Supersport category, Archie McDonald claimed pole position, showcasing his potential alongside seasoned riders like Kyle Ryde, a two-time British Superbike champion. The atmosphere was charged as these competitors vied for supremacy in their respective classes.
Unpredictable outcomes in racing
The unpredictability of motorsport was on full display as the races unfolded. In the SW-Motech Superbike class, the qualifying session took a dramatic turn when Cru Halliday achieved an impressive lap time of 1:50.028, narrowly missing the lap record. This performance allowed him to snatch pole position from Jones at the last moment, leaving Jones scrambling for a response as he prepared for the race weekend.
With a competitive field of 20 riders set to participate, the excitement was palpable. The second row of the grid featured notable names such as Broc Pearson and Cameron Dunker, both keen to seize any opportunities that arose during the races.
Championship battles across classes
During the championship, various classes experienced intense competition. In the Race and Road Supersport 300, Nikolas Lazos secured a pivotal victory after rival Riley Nauta crashed while leading. Lazos finished with a substantial margin, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport.
In the ShopYamaha R3 Cup, Hudson Thompson claimed victory in a closely contested race filled with competitive riders. The tight championship standings kept fans engaged, with numerous contenders fighting for top positions.
The BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup also delivered thrilling action, as young talents competed fiercely for valuable points. With the championship still within reach for several riders, anticipation for the final races was high.
The final showdown
Josh Waters secures fifth title in Australian Superbike Championship
On Sunday, the atmosphere at The Bend was electric as fans gathered for the final races of the weekend. Josh Waters, buoyed by his points lead, approached the track with confidence, aiming to solidify his legacy. As the races unfolded, it became clear that his years of dedication and skill had led to this moment of triumph.
As the checkered flag waved, Waters celebrated not only his individual success but also the support from his team and the sport that has profoundly influenced his life. His journey exemplifies the hard work and passion that defines motorsport, inspiring future generations of riders to pursue their dreams.
Waters’ fifth title in the Australian Superbike Championship represents a significant milestone in his career, highlighting the essence of determination and excellence in motorcycle racing.