Josh Waters’ stranglehold over the Australian Superbike Championship Hidden Valley event will come to an end this weekend. With the two-time titleholder pursuing international racing opportunities, the door is open for other riders to stake their claim for victory.

Today we’re reviewing each of Josh’s three victories in the temperate Top End.

2010: The ASBK’s inaugural visit to the Northern Territory was immensely successful for the reigning champion.

After a disappointing first round at Phillip Island, he was able to turn things around with a dominant showing, leading every Superbike session – practice, qualifying, Superpole – and winning both races.

“It was a perfect weekend and the team did a great job with the bike,” Waters told CycleOnline.com.au

“I knew from the test that we would be quick after we did a lot of work for the team, but I really didn’t expect it to go as good as it did.”

2011: Waters managed to wrangle the round win again in the series’ second visit to Darwin, but this time it was much closer.

With the Suzuki rider and title rival Glenn Allerton claiming a race win and a second place apiece, the result would be determined by Waters’ one-up in Superpole, where he was awarded a single point to tip the scales in his favour come Sunday afternoon, 46 points to 45.

“It was great, I would have loved to win the second race also to make it a perfect weekend, but it didn’t happen,” he said. “To win overall was great for myself and for Suzuki.

“Anyway, it was great to do what we did and I couldn’t believe how fast we went in the first race. Everyone thought we were going to go faster, but I kind of thought we’d do what we did.

Josh Waters en route to another successful Hidden Valley weekend – who will take over the mantle in 2013? Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

“I remember last year how hard it was to go that fast, so yeah, I was a little bit surprised, but happy I was able to go faster than everyone else more than anything.”

2012: Waters returned to his dominant self last season, and was able to add to more race wins to his tally, taking his record to five of a possible six wins since the event’s introduction.

The Victorian managed two pressure red-flag restarts to lead both races into the first turn and faced few challenges on the way to a pair of popular wins in front of a bumper crowd.

“It’s been a perfect weekend to be honest, I love the track and came here pretty confident but I didn’t think I’d have it this easy,” said Waters.

“In terms of the championship it’s great. It’s 51 points and that’s the best I could have asked for.”

It certainly was. Those 51 points were crucial in confirming his second ASBK title, and no doubt went a long way to creating the opportunities he now enjoys on a global stage.

Who can take over from Waters at the Top End in 2013? In a few days we’ll find out.