The two-plus-four weekend at Queensland Raceway featuring ASBK alongside Supercars saw runaway leader Josh Waters seal the round five victory on Sunday with commanding 2-1 results. CycleOnline caught up with Waters post-race for this Debrief feature.

Image: Foremost Media.

Josh Waters – another win here at Queensland Raceway for you in ASBK 2025. Take us through that weekend.

Yeah, it was really good. I was able to get pole on Friday. We didn’t get a lot of track time, even though we actually had quite a bit with FP1 being wet. Qualifying just clicked and I was able to put it together. Unfortunately, on Saturday the race got called off with the oil spill – you couldn’t ride in those conditions. I even spoke to my cousin, who’s driving in Supercars, and he said it was slippery there even in the dry. So, yeah… We went racing this morning, Mike [Jones] was extremely strong, as he always is here.

What was the difference between both races? They were very similar – in the first one you got out front, he tracked you down, but in the second he couldn’t. Did you just have more pace?

I had more pace and I rode differently. I was able to ride more relaxed, which made the difference in that one. We trimmed the bike a little bit, but nothing huge.

Looking at the Queensland swing of things – with two rounds here and one at Morgan Park – those are probably the tracks you’d expect to be up against that bike the most. It’s come around extremely well for you, and you’ve got to be happy with that leading into Phillip Island?

Yeah, I’m wrapped with it. That second race meant a lot because Mike was so strong – he never gives in. I changed my mindset for race two and it paid off. Going back to Phillip Island, I know people always say [it’s a strong track for us], but I don’t go there thinking like that.

I said this to Glenn Allerton earlier, I think that stigma is broken – the whole ‘Ducati Island’ thing – you guys have been strong everywhere this year. The Ducati’s been good all year, as has your team. Sure, you could say someone like Cru Halliday has a home track advantage at Eastern Creek, but it looks like you guys are good everywhere and the package is working well.

Yeah, I’ve been a few seasons now with the McMartin team and we’re getting to know each other better and better. They know me, I know them, and it’s working. Obviously, it’s more enjoyable when you’re going well, but we’re having fun with it.

Points-wise, the championship’s looking better for you as we get into the second half of the season.

Yep, but I’m still not looking at it. I’m enjoying riding the best I can, so maybe I’ll think about it at the last round – but not yet.

You’re an exceptional road racer, your brother’s exceptional in the dirt, and your cousin races Supercars. Take me through that.

I know, it’s crazy, isn’t it? None of our parents were motorcycle racers. Dad raced ski boats, and my cousin’s side of the family raced speedway cars, but it’s not like he was a Supercar driver or anything like Dick Johnson.

And we’re talking about Cam Waters here?

Yeah, sorry – Cam Waters.

Do you ever think about jumping in one of those cars and having a go? Because you see it – the road racing and the car racing does overlap in a lot of ways.

From what I’m told, a bit of coin has to be handed over if you want to have a go. Once you’re in the main game and in a good team and go well, you can earn a healthy pay, but to get there takes a lot of money.

At least you’ve got bragging rights in the family after today. We’ll see what Cam can do out there now. See you at Phillip Island.

Thank you. I can also say with the V8 guys – for my ego – we were a fair bit quicker than them on lap times. I know it’s completely different, but yeah… thanks heaps, guys.