Hidden Valley hat-trick on the cards for Waters A rare Hidden Valley hat-trick may be on the cards for Team Suzuki’s Josh Waters, but the Victorian rider is changing little in his preparation for the weekend’s second round of the QBE Australian Superbike Championships in the Northern Territory. Waters won the inaugural event in 2010 as well as the 2011 showdown, and has momentum behind him after blitzing the season opener at Phillip Island in February. It’s no surprise the circuit holds fond memories for the 24-year-old, who says the atmosphere surrounding the event is incredible. “I love coming up here and the track is a great one to race on,” said Waters. “The fast front straight is a highlight and that’s where my bike is really strong. “We got off to a really good start at Phillip Island and are looking to keep up this run at Hidden Valley. “I’m not really thinking about the hat-trick or approaching the race any differently, the goals for the weekend are always the same.” Waters rates his opposition as world-class and said the fight for a podium finish will be close. “There is nothing separating the top six bikes and any one of us could win,” said Waters. “There is a forecast for some rain so if it falls in the races it will be about who can best handle the conditions. “Either way the crowd is in for a great show.” Waters is also the race and qualifying lap record holder at the 2.87km Hidden Valley circuit, breaking his own 2010 benchmarks just over 12 months ago. 2011 Australian Superbike Champion Glenn Allerton is the only rider to have wrestled a race win off Waters in the Top End, and knows the importance of another top finish in his championship defence. “We’re here to stop Josh’s run, it’s crucial for our championship defence that we put ourselves in the position for the two race wins,” said Allerton. “We’re comfortable that we’ve got our heads around the new control tyre and will be ready to race come Sunday. “The heat makes the weekend a mental game as well as physical. Concentration and consistency are so important in these conditions. “The main thing is I have full confidence in my crew and the fact that they’ll have the Procon Maxima BMW working well whether it’s wet or dry.” Allerton is 10 points shy of Waters on the standings, and maintains a single point lead over Team Honda Racing’s Jamie Stauffer in third. Between them, the top three riders can lay claim to 5 individual Australian Superbike Championship titles, also setting up an entertaining battle between three separate manufacturers. An even greater mix of manufacturers are represented in the top five of the Motul Australian Supersport Championship which also resumes this weekend. Honda’s Josh Hook holds a slender advantage over the Triumph of Mitchell Carr, with Brodie Waters (Suzuki), Chris Quinn (Yamaha) and Glenn Scott (Kawasaki) keeping a watching brief. The class consistently produces close and exciting racing, and any number of the young guns could get up for race and round honours. Prostock, Superstock and Superlites riders bolster a bumper lineup of classes on track, with the addition of the Sports Racer category adding even more action. The event opens to public on Friday and runs through an exciting series of practice and qualifying sessions before the all-important races begin.