Bryan Staring wrapped up the Australian Superbike Championship at Symmons Plains in Tasmania this afternoon. Image: TBG Sport/Andrew Gosling.

Cougar Bourbon Honda Racing’s Bryan Staring has clinched his maiden Australian Superbike Championship with eighth position in treacherous wet conditions at Symmons Plains in Tasmania this afternoon.

Entering the final race of the season with a 19.5-point lead, Staring was able to wrap up the crown with a safe result, despite championship challenger Wayne Maxwell going on to win the race for Demolition Plus GAS Honda Racing.

Maxwell edged out 2009 champion Josh Waters (Team Suzuki) and Glenn Allerton (Valvoline Superbike Team Honda) for the victory. Allerton won the overall, his first of the season.

But all eyes were on new champion Staring, the 23-year-old Gold Coast-based star winning in his return to the series after putting together a deal with Full Throttle Sports at the 11th hour.

Staring adds the title to his Supersport title he won in 2009, as well as the 125cc Grand Prix series he won in 2004.

Stay tuned for a full race report to come this afternoon.