Waters to race in WSBK opener
The young enforcer will join compatriots Troy Corser and Chris Vermeulen on the starting blocks at Phillip IslandThe Australian contingent for the opening round of the Yamaha Australian Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island from February 25-27 has been fortified by the inclusion of young gun Josh Waters.
The Mildura (Vic) rider is a multiple Australian road racing champion, and in 2009 won the premier Superbike category as a rookie.
Waters joins countrymen Troy Corser (BMW) and Chris Vermeulen (Kawasaki) on the starting blocks at Phillip Island, in what shapes as the strongest local representation at the Australian WSBK round in many years.
Waters, who turns 24 on January 24, will pair up with the professional Yoshimura Suzuki team, which won the famous Suzuka 8-Hour world endurance race in Japan in 2009.
“I can’t wait to join some of the world’s best riders on the grid at Phillip Island,” said Waters, a former junior dirt track prodigy before turning his gifts to road racing. “I certainly know that it’s not going to be a walk in the park, but all I can do is try my hardest and see how it goes.
“Yoshimura Suzuki is very successful team and its bike is extremely well prepared, so I hope that I can be up there and pushing hard against the world championship regulars.
“I would also like to thank Suzuki Australia for allowing me the opportunity to compete in the WSBK races, as it means I won’t be able to compete in the opening round of the 2011 Australian Superbike Championship, which will be held on the same weekend.”
Yoshimura Suzuki first dipped its toe into WSBK competition last year, and is set to increase its presence in 2011.
“I guess a strong result at Phillip Island may open up some more opportunities for me down the track,” said Waters, “but my primary focus is showing them what I can do at Phillip Island.”
Waters will join Corser and Vermeulen at the second official pre-season test at Phillip Island from February 21-22, with all the world Superbike and Supersport teams making their way back to the circuit three days later for the start of the season proper.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW WITH GREAT DEALS AND FREE CAMPING FOR CHILDREN
Spectators can grab tickets now on www.worldsbk.com.au or on the circuit’s hotline at 1300 728 007. Buy now and save on gate prices, with a Sunday race day general admission (GA) ticket for $70*, a three-day GA ticket for $130*, and ticket options for families and concessions from Friday through to Sunday.
A range of VIP hospitality packages is available so you can experience the world superbikes in style. BAR SBK may be your ticket - a portable three day pass that gives access to three undercover and licensed viewing locations around the circuit in prime locations for $240*.
TRACKSIDE
World superbikes always delivers the island’s best bike racing of the year, and with six superscreens located trackside and a grandstand adjacent to the start finish line, no-one misses a second of the action.
It’s a bike friendly event, with fans allowed to ride their bikes through the outfield, pull up, get comfortable and enjoy the action trackside.
ON TRACK CAMPING IS THE GO WITH CHILDREN FREE
Accommodation options are endless, but if you want to experience racing in true island style go for the economical trackside camping at $95* per adult for up to four nights under the stars. As a first, in 2011 children camp for free, making a weekend away at the races totally affordable.
Circuit camping is situated on the ridge above the track’s Southern Loop. Imagine waking to a bird’s eye view over Bass Strait and no traffic jams, no gate queues, no taxis -- just a short wander to your favourite spot trackside and a day at the races!
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
