Former champion Josh Waters to make Australian Superbike return this weekend in Winton

Two-time Australian Superbike Champion, Josh Waters, will make a surprise return to domestic competition this weekend, at the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) in Winton, VIC.

Waters left the series at the conclusion of the 2012 season – after clinching his second overall championship crown, to compete full time in the coveted British Superbike Championship (BSB) between 2013-2015. His time in the BSB returned mixed results, the highlight being a win at Brands Hatch in 2014.

The opportunity to return to domestic competition came via a brand new privateer team outfit in Apex Motorsport, with the support of Custom Plates, via their ‘Keep it on the track’ and off the street road safety initiative – for which Waters will be a two-wheeled Custom Plates road safety ambassador aboard a Yamaha R1 machine.

The always understated Waters remains conservative in his expectations for this weekend.

“I’m really excited to be back out there this weekend. Of course I’m a little bit nervous, as my last year here (in 2012) was a successful year,” commented Waters.

“Obviously it’s going to be hard, because all these guys that I’m racing against are Australia’s best riders and they’ve been racing these bikes all year. It’s not going to be easy, but being a racer I want to try my hardest and hopefully be towards the front end.”

The freshly inked deal between Waters and the Apex Motorsport, Custom Plates team will also see the 29 year old from Mildura, compete in the Australian Superbike class at this year’s Australian MotoGP event in Phillip Island.

“Phillip Island is a great event and to be racing in front of such a big crowd is always good.”

Waters and the Australian Superbike Championship will hit the track on Friday for their practice sessions. Saturday consists of all qualifying heats, with Sunday featuring the main races for the final round of the 2016 Australian Superbike Championship.