- NZSBK will reduce from four rounds to three in 2027, but riders will still contest 12 championship races.
- Each event will feature four races, with practice and qualifying on Friday and racing on both Saturday and Sunday.
- Organisers hope to return to a four-round championship in 2028, with Manfeild earmarked for a potential return.
After what was an incredibly successful season in 2026 for NZSBK with record crowds and close competition, a new three-round/four-race weekend format will be introduced next season, aiming to reduce costs for competitors while maintaining track time.
The New Zealand Superbike Championship will undergo its biggest format change in recent years for 2027, with organisers confirming the series will be condensed from four rounds to three while retaining the same number of championship races.
Under the new structure, competitors across the seven championship classes will contest 12 races over three rounds, with each event expanding from the traditional three-race format to four races.
Series promoter Mike Marsden says the changes have been made in response to rising event costs and the current economic environment while ensuring riders still receive the same amount of racing.
“It’s a tough environment at the moment, so we need to maximise value for all involved, particularly our competitors,” said Marsden.
“We will only run three events, but three very good, viable and successful events while delivering the same amount of track time for competitors.
“The new format also presents a much better proposition for fans, with a full race card on both Saturday and Sunday to enjoy.”
The 2027 championship will begin at Timaru’s Levels Raceway on January 21-23 before moving to Ruapuna Raceway in Christchurch for the New Zealand Grand Prix meeting on January 29-31. The championship will then conclude at Hampton Downs during MotoFest, which will once again incorporate the New Zealand TT and Aaron Slight Trophy meeting from March 5-7.
Under the revised format, Friday will feature two practice sessions and qualifying for all classes, while both Saturday and Sunday will include warm-up sessions followed by two championship races.
The move effectively condenses four championship rounds into three weekends while maintaining the same amount of championship racing.
Focus On Competitor Value
The decision comes after several years of growth for the championship, but also at a time when travel and accommodation costs continue to place pressure on competitors.
Motorcycling New Zealand Road Race Commissioner Andy Skelton believes the revised format strikes the right balance.
“Condensing four rounds into three in 2027 is the right move given the current economic environment, and the suitability of available circuits,” said Skelton.
“The new format will offer more value per round for riders and spectators.”
While the championship format is changing, the class structure will remain largely unchanged for 2027, although Motorcycling New Zealand is currently reviewing homologation procedures and technical regulations ahead of next season.
Skelton said officials are also working on the long-term evolution of the championship as part of a broader growth strategy.
“It’s great to be involved with something that is growing year on year and the foundational effort, commitment and energy extended by all stakeholders is starting to deliver on what will become a super series.”
Burt Munro Challenge Dropped
One notable change for 2027 is the absence of the Burt Munro Challenge from the NZSBK calendar.
Marsden confirmed organisers had made the difficult decision not to include the Invercargill-based event as part of next year’s championship, citing the need for a more consistent championship structure.
“It wasn’t easy but the Burt stands alone as a great event,” said Marsden.
“Unfortunately for us, their particular event format doesn’t fit with our need to establish a consistent NZSBK event programme.”
The Burt Munro Challenge has featured as part of recent championship calendars and has provided competitors with a unique mix of circuit racing, street racing and festival atmosphere.
Manfeild Return Planned For 2028
Despite the reduction to three rounds in 2027, organisers have already begun planning for a return to a four-round championship in 2028.
The long-term goal is to add Manfeild back onto the calendar and establish a consistent annual championship schedule.
“The intention for 2028 is to add a round at Manfeild, aligned with MotoFest, and we have already started that process,” said Skelton.
Marsden added that a permanent four-round structure remains the target.
“Looking ahead, we hope to return to a four-round, 16-race Championship in 2028; ideally with Manfeild as part of the series.
“Geographically, a round at Manfield makes sense and the ultimate goal is to lock in the same series dates, at the same tracks year on year.”
For now, however, NZSBK organisers believe the revised 2027 format offers the best balance between competitor costs, event viability and maintaining the high level of racing that has helped the championship continue its recent growth.
For more info make sure to check out the official website: www.nzsuperbikeseries.co.nz
If you missed MotoFest this year, below is a wrap-up of what went down…
