Image: Supplied.

Three-time champion Josh Waters has outlined his plans for the 2020 Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), launching his own JW Racing team that will see him pilot Suzuki machinery.

The Victorian was initially signed to the former Team Suzuki Ecstar squad for this season alongside Wayne Maxwell, however the outfit made a shock exit from the sport after Suzuki withdrew its support.

Waters, who’ll be equipped with Dunlop tyres this year, is set to race a Suzuki GSX-R1000R that’s a similar specification to what he rode to the 2017 ASBK title.

“I’m just so stoked to have my own team and bikes this season, we’ve got great guys working on the bikes locally and a wealth of experience in the team which is exciting,” Waters explained.

“In the crew I’ve got Brodie [Waters] who’s going to prep my bikes, so he’s my mechanic and crew chief. Vaughan Cumming is also helping out as a mechanic, and then I’ve Byron Draper who’s helping out with the suspension. The floater will be my brother Nicholas [Waters], but he’s hit and miss with the rounds he can make.

“Dunlop has a good plan for the coming year, so it’s really worked out. I’m really looking forward to be successful with Dunlop onboard.”

Waters has had a strong connection with Suzuki throughout his career, winning his ASBK titles in 2009, 2012 and 2017 with the Japanese manufacturer. The ASBK series kicks off this weekend at Phillip Island alongside the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship.