When the dust had settled after the two-round tournament, he was victorious and claimed the prestigious title. In the process, he earned the rare privilege of sporting the Number One plate for his title defence in 2021.

Coming into this weekend's third round of the ASBK at Wakefield Park, from April 16 to 18, Maxwell and his team are in a similar position of leading the championship, but there are many more laps and races to be completed before a victor is decided in this year's seven-round title battle.

At last month's opening round, contested at Winton Raceway in Victoria, Maxwell was on the pace from the first day's practice and came away from the two Superbike races with a win and a second place to again be at the top of the championship table - a position he aims to retain.

"The opening races for the year were pretty good to us," Maxwell said. "We came away with a win and second to be leading on points, but it is only very early days, so it is vitally important to continue the momentum.

"We had a test at the track a couple weeks ago and the suspension team were very happy with the progress we made with our new electronics package.

"We have a good base setting to start with on Friday morning, and around a track like Wakefield you need a very good set-up, so hopefully the weather is similar this weekend and we have good conditions to race with."

The Wakefield Park circuit - known as Australia's spectator track - is a very challenging venue for Superbikes. Unable to use the top-end horsepower due to the short straights, it is vitally important to have the suspension to negotiate the contours of the race track, maintain good corner speed, and have a well-balanced machine to be able to utilise all the late braking prowess that a Superbike rider possesses in order to execute the overtaking manoeuvres that are required to pass someone on such a tight track.

Practice for the event starts on Friday with qualifying sessions on Saturday, and the two Superbike races to be contested on Sunday.

Spectators are allowed to attend the ASBK third round, but tickets must be pre-purchased online at asbk.com.au.

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