Image: Russell Colvin.

A complete 2022 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike campaign with Maxima BMW has been locked in by Josh Waters, the three-time champion continuing to progress with each outing on the M 1000 RR.

Early in the off-season, Waters took part in initial outings with the team, however, was seeking funding to ensure a full season could be carried out.

It’s since been confirmed that the funding to enable Waters to enter all eight rounds has been secured, allowing the 34-year-old to turn his attention to the upcoming races and chase a record fourth ASBK crown. He previously won the title as a rookie in 2009, following up again in 2012 and 2017, each of those with Suzuki.

“I’ve been fortunate that I have had some great people behind me that have helped me to make it happen,” Waters told CycleOnline. “I’m really looking forward to joining the NextGen Motorsports team and working with Shane [Kinderis] – it’s going to be good.”

Since receiving official confirmation of his 2022 entry with the team, Waters has been able to test at both Phillip Island and Queensland Raceway, but remains realistic about the circumstances and is motivated to keep moving forwards alongside teammate – and fellow triple champion – Glenn Allerton.

“The Phillip Island test wasn’t a true thing because a majority of the field were there for three days leading up to it, which we could have also, but financially we chose to only do the official test,” Waters added. “Unfortunately, the weather was terrible, but it was the same for everyone on those two days.

“We didn’t get a true indication there and also the bike wasn’t like it had been other times I had got to ride… We updated it with different software and, fortunately, I was able to ride up at Queensland and the bike was quite good there. Like always, going to keep getting better, so going to keep chipping away.”