Defending ASBK champion Josh Waters in action at Hidden Valley this week.

The nation’s leading Superbike teams have taken to Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway for a series of official test sessions ahead of round two of the Viking Group Australian Superbike Championships (ASBK) next weekend.

The 2.87km circuit returns to the calendar after an eleven-year absence, making it particularly important for riders to dial in a base setup ahead of the event.

Team Suzuki Racing and Cougar Bourbon Honda Racing were on track Wednesday, with both outfits noting the high top-end temperatures would play a pivotal part.

Phil Tainton, principal of Team Suzuki Racing, said the test had been particularly productive for riders Josh Waters and Shawn Giles.

“It’s been a good few days up here and we’ve found a balance with the bikes that the boys are happy with,” explained Tainton. “With every lap they’ve moved forward and learned that little bit more, and by the end of the day Josh had already gone under the existing lap record.”

“Josh and Shawn have acclimatised well, both are very fit and do a lot of specific training off the bike to prepare themselves.”

Reigning Australian Superbike Champion Waters echoed Tainton’s views and said rider fitness would be crucial in battling the heat.

“Fatigue has the potential to play a big part here,” Waters said. “The heat is unlike anything we experience at any of the other tracks and fitness is paramount. We rounded out the test with a race simulation run and were happy with the results.”

Cougar Bourbon Honda Racing’s Bryan Staring was also on track yesterday. The 2009 Supersport champion put in a stellar ride to second on the dais at Phillip Island, making a seamless transition to the Superbike class, as well as a new team.

He will be one of many set to stake a claim for victory next weekend.

Points leader after the opening Phillip Island round, Demolition Plus GAS Honda Racing pilot Wayne Maxwell got his campaign underway early, competing in last weekend’s round of a local club championship at Hidden Valley.

Maxwell walked away with two wins from two starts on a stock motorcycle loaned from a local dealer, and will certainly be tough to beat given his recent form and focus.

“The weekend’s races were a good way to learn the ins and outs of the circuit,” Maxwell explained. “Precision Motorcycles loaned me a stock Honda CBR1000RR and I focused on aclimatising to race conditions in the heat and learning track, we will worry about bike setup when we get back up there.

“The biggest factor next weekend will be the heat; it will affect riders and equipment alike.”

Round 2 of the ASBK will run from April 9-11, and will feature racing from classes including Superbike, Supersport, Superstock 1000 A&B/C&D, Superstock 600, and 125/250 GP. A 34-car field of Aussie Racers will cater for four-wheel fans as well as two.

Official times from the test, which also featured the KTM Superbike Team and Valvoline Superbike Team, are yet to be released.