In a return to the popular ‘2-plus-4’ concept for the first time in over a decade, 22-year-old Waters lapped the 4.45km Victorian circuit at a stunning 1:32.4710 in Sunday’s 10-lap race to claim a new national Superbike lap record.

In maintaining his perfect record, Waters has also claimed lap records at South Australia’s Mallala circuit and Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway since debuting the new GSX-R1000K9 just six weeks ago.

“It’s been another great weekend for the new GSX-R1000K9. That’s three lap records in a row now for Josh, proving the pace of the new bike straight out of the box and just how well he’s riding,” said Team Joe Rocket Suzuki Manager Phil Tainton.

The Superbikes stunned V8 fans with top speeds of 300km/h along Gardner Straight into Turn One compared to 280km/h recorded by the V8 Supercars), with Waters’ new lap Superbike record of 1:32.4710 edging the best V8 time of 1:33.1970, set by Mark Winterbottom (FPR).

PHILLIP ISLAND L&H 500 EVENT RESULTS

Race 1 of the Australian Superbikes Open
1. Wayne Maxwell – Motologic Racing
2. Josh Waters – Team Joe Rocket Suzuki
3. Shannon Johnson – Motologic Racing

Race 2 of the Australian Superbikes Open
1. Craig Coxhell – CJC Racing
2. Josh Waters – Team Joe Rocket Suzuki
3. Wayne Maxwell – Motologic Racing