- Silverdale’s Tyler King produced a stunning comeback at Queensland Raceway, overturning an eight-point deficit to claim the Australian Supersport 300 Championship by eight points.
- The 19-year-old’s title earns him a 2027 Australian Superbike Championship opportunity with Stop & Seal Racing, stepping up to the Supersport NextGen 600 class.
- Kiwi talent shone across the ASBK finale, with Morgan McLaren-Wood impressing on his Superbike debut and Ryder Chamberlain finishing runner-up in the Oceania Junior Cup.
New Zealand teenager Tyler King has made history by winning the 2026 Australian Supersport 300 Championship, becoming the first Kiwi champion in Australian Superbike Championship history since 1991.
The 19-year-old Silverdale rider secured the 2026 Australian Supersport 300 Championship after a dramatic final round at Queensland Raceway, overturning an eight-point deficit to Queensland rival Riley Nauta and claiming the title by the same margin.
King’s championship triumph marks a major milestone for New Zealand road racing, with the last Kiwi to win an Australian championship being Aaron Slight, who claimed the premier Superbike title in 1991 before going on to a celebrated World Superbike career.
“It’s like checking the box,” King said after sealing the championship.
“Crossing the finish line, I just thought, ‘I’ve done it.’ There was so much adrenaline. It was awesome.”
The title also delivered an immediate reward, with King earning a 2027 Australian Superbike Championship opportunity with leading team Stop & Seal Racing.
He will step up to the competitive Supersport NextGen 600 class alongside established riders Cru Halliday and Tom Toparis.
After qualifying on pole position, King faced a pressure-filled final weekend with changing conditions and intense championship pressure. He held his nerve in the deciding race, finishing second to secure the crown.
“It feels like everything Dad and Vicky sacrificed has paid off,” King said.
“Having all the family there made it even more special. It couldn’t have been any better.”
King’s father Shawn said the championship was the result of years of work from the family and supporters.
“We hoped Tyler would do enough to earn a ride with a top team, and that’s exactly what’s happened,” he said.
“To become the first Kiwi champion in 35 years makes it even more special.”
McLaren-Wood makes instant Superbike impact
Cambridge rider Morgan McLaren-Wood also impressed at the Australian Superbike Championship finale, delivering a standout debut weekend aboard a Yamaha YZF-R1.
The 21-year-old joined MotoGo Yamaha Racing as a wildcard for Queensland Raceway despite having never previously raced a superbike, qualifying 14th before finishing 12th and seventh across the two races.
His wet-weather performance in Sunday’s finale was particularly impressive, with McLaren-Wood charging from the back of the grid into the top three before a fogged visor and late mistake dropped him to seventh.
“It was a huge confidence boost,” McLaren-Wood said.
“I’m glad I showed what I can achieve in such a short amount of time.”
The performance has strengthened his hopes of securing a full-time Australian Superbike Championship ride while he continues his New Zealand Superbike Championship campaign.
Chamberlain announces himself in Oceania Junior Cup
Christchurch teenager Ryder Chamberlain made a strong impression on his Australian debut in the Oceania Junior Cup at Queensland Raceway.
The 14-year-old adapted quickly to a new circuit and unfamiliar machinery, improving his lap times significantly before qualifying eighth.
On race day, Chamberlain stepped up further, taking second place in both completed races to finish runner-up for the round after the final race was abandoned following a crash.
The opportunity came through the newly established Superbike Pathways Foundation, created by NZSBK promoter Mike Marsden with support from former Kiwi international Stu Avant.
The performance has highlighted Chamberlain as one of New Zealand’s most promising young riders, with a full Australian Superbike Championship Oceania Junior Cup campaign now a realistic possibility.
Three Kiwi riders, three standout performances — and another strong reminder of the depth of New Zealand motorcycle talent across the Tasman.
