One Australian Superbike legend Wayne Maxwell may have retired recently after he wrapped up his decorated career in the No.1 Ducati bike at McMartin Racing, having won three titles to his name (2013, 2020-2021). However, look out as there’s another ASBK legend who can easily fill Maxwell’s shoes very perfectly with a perfect start to the 2023 ASBK season in none other than Josh Waters (No.21).
He too got away with all three wins throughout the opening race weekend including pole position; Plus, he also became the new lap record holder of the premier class category here at Phillip Island. Race 1 didn’t bother him too much despite the red flag restart & fared even better with the new lap record of 1:30:75, before Waters built on such a healthy lead during the last two Sunday races on the Yamaha duo of Cru Halliday (3rd in Race 2 & 2nd in Race 3) who rebounded after his Race 1 DNF from Saturday & so does the current champion (also 3 times) in Mike Jones (4th in Race 1, 3rd in Race 2 & 2nd in Race 3). This is going to be a great two if not three way battle as this season goes on throughout 2023 for the riders’ crown.
Then we take a quick look over at the secondary Supersport category where Harrison Voight had a great weekend for the No.29 Yamaha bike collecting two wins in between Races 1 & 3 plus the pole position, even though he held off such a huge threat from Olly Simpson on the run home during the 3rd & final race of the weekend. Although he may be disappointed with a DNF despite building a healthy lead before Voight was slipped away into the gravel that gave Ty Lynch a free run up front in Race 2, but still a red-hot start to his 2023 season nonetheless.
We’ll see if Voight can build on the two opening round wins & stay battling up front as the new Supersport category season progresses before looking dethrone current champion John Lytras for the championship come early December at The Bend Motorsports Park in SA.
For now, the ASBK will make their next stop at Sydney Motorsports Park in Eastern Creek for the first time in several years on Friday 24th-Saturday 25th later this month. Also another first time moment, a night event on Saturday where we will get to get some brilliant racing across several categories under the lights including the premier Superbike class.
It’s going to be such a great weekend out just like the opening round that was accompanied by the World Superbikes’ Australian Round support bill a few days ago. One round done, six more left of the 2023 ASBK season as you can watch every race live both on SBS & Stan Sport.
