Waters clinches record-breaking fourth ASBK crown at The Bend

Newly-crowned champion secures overall win ahead of Sissis and West.

Image: Foremost Media.

McMartin Racing’s Josh Waters has earned a record-breaking fourth crown after securing the 2024 Mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, clinching the overall win in the process.

After title threat Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) claimed pole position and won the opening race on Saturday, the championship was still up for grabs as they entered Sunday’s race two.

The second outing lasted just laps before the red flag came out after a crash by Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Racing), although on the restart it was Waters who led the field in what was a thrilling encounter.

Troy Herfoss (DesmoSport Ducati) held down second after passing Arthur Sissis (Stop and Seal Racing) before attempting a move for the lead on lap five. He had his hands full as Jones made the pass for second, only for the 2023 champion to regain the position.

Jones didn’t back down, passing Herfoss on the final turn to secure second and keep his slim chance at the title alive. Anthony West (Yamaha) and Sissis completed the top five, followed by Max Stauffer (Penrite Racing SBK), Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati), Cameron Dunker (Penrite Racing SBK), John Lytras (Yamaha), and Ryan Yanko (Yamaha).

It was a bizarre feeling entering race three, as Waters held a 25-point lead over Jones, although in the event Waters didn’t score points and Jones won the race to level the scores, the Yamaha rider would be awarded the title on count back.

Waters didn’t have to worry for long, as Jones crashed at the final turn on lap one while rushing to pass his Ducati rival. Herfoss moved into the lead and went onto secure victory, while Waters cruised to second as they clinched the championship.

Sissis hung on for third ahead of Dunker and West, while the top 10 was rounded out by Pearson, Stauffer, Lytras, Lynch, and Charles Holding (Yamaha). Overall, Waters stood atop the podium, joined by Yamaha-equipped duo Sissis and West. The championship standings saw Jones credited runner-up honours over Pearson.