- New Trophy Honours Kiwi Legend – The Aaron Slight Trophy will be contested in the feature race at Hampton Downs, recognising the former World Superbike star’s contribution to the sport.
- Triple Crown Challenge – Riders now have the chance to claim the Grand Prix, Aaron Slight Trophy and TT titles across the NZSBK season.
- Championship Trophy Also Introduced – From 2026, the Superbike champion will also receive the new Aaron Slight Championship Trophy.
The Star Insure New Zealand Superbike Championship will debut the new Aaron Slight Trophy at Hampton Downs this weekend, honouring the Kiwi World Superbike legend and creating a new ‘Triple Crown’ challenge for riders across the championship classes.
A new trophy honouring Kiwi World Superbike legend Aaron Slight will debut this weekend at Hampton Downs, giving riders an extra incentive as the Star Insure New Zealand Superbike Championship heads into its crucial third round.
For the first time, competitors across the championship classes will contest the Aaron Slight Trophy in the Sunday morning feature race, creating a new piece of silverware in honour of one of New Zealand’s most successful international motorcycle racers.
The new award also adds a fresh dimension to the championship this season, forming part of a “Triple Crown” challenge alongside the traditional Grand Prix and TT titles.
NZSBK promoter Mike Marsden said the addition recognises Slight’s enormous contribution to road racing both on and off the track.
“Not only are we restoring the mana of the Grand Prix and TT titles at specific rounds, but we’re adding another prestigious award, which means this year riders will now be chasing the additional bragging rights of a ‘Triple Crown’,” Marsden said.
“It has always been our intention to have a feature race at each round and I cannot think of a better person to honour in terms of their past and continuing contribution to the sport of road racing.
“Not only are we restoring the mana of the Grand Prix and TT titles at specific rounds, but we’re adding another prestigious award, which means this year riders will now be chasing the additional bragging rights of a ‘Triple Crown’,”
Mike Marsden
“Aaron was not only a fantastic, colourful, gutsy and successful competitor at world level, he has also subsequently given of his time to be a wonderful supporter, mentor and backer of a new wave of Kiwi racers.”
The Grand Prix titles were contested earlier in the season at the hugely successful Ruapuna round, while the TT titles will be decided at the championship finale at Taupō.
The addition of the Aaron Slight Trophy at Hampton Downs means riders now have the chance to complete the Triple Crown across the three special races.
Among those currently in the running are the Grand Prix winners from Ruapuna: Rogan Chandler (Superbike), Jake Lewis (Supersport), Zak Fuller (Sportbike), Dennis Charlett (Protwin), Hunter Charlett (150 and 300 Supersport) and the sidecar pairing of Phil Law and Angus Ravenwood.
But the significance of the weekend goes even further for the premier class.
The final six Superbike races, held across two consecutive race weekends, will also decide the New Zealand Superbike champion — and the first recipient of the Aaron Slight Championship Trophy.
From this season onward, the trophy will be presented annually to the rider scoring the most points in the Superbike class.
The award itself is a striking three-dimensional sculpture of Slight in his racing prime, created to celebrate his remarkable career and legacy in the sport.
Slight said he was honoured to have his name attached to the championship trophy.
“I am so proud to be asked to put my name to the trophy that goes to the country’s top superbike rider,” Slight said.
“I look forward to being on hand in Taupo to make the presentation.”
With the championship battle intensifying and a new trophy now on the line, this weekend’s racing at Hampton Downs promises to add another memorable chapter to the 2026 New Zealand Superbike Championship.
MotoFest This Weekend at Hampton Downs
If you’re heading to Hampton Downs this weekend, there’s even more reason to make a day of it with MotoFest 2026 running alongside the racing action.
The popular motorcycle show has grown into one of the biggest gatherings of riders and brands in the country, with manufacturers displaying the latest models, gear and accessories, plus plenty of entertainment throughout the weekend.
One of the biggest additions for 2026 is the introduction of bookable demo rides, allowing attendees to take a guided 40-minute ride on local roads aboard the latest motorcycles from brands including Honda, KTM, Kawasaki, Suzuki and CFMOTO.
Rather than just looking at bikes on stands, visitors can actually experience how they ride in real-world conditions — from braking performance and comfort to engine character and electronics.
With the NZSBK racing, demo rides, manufacturer displays and plenty of motorcycles on show, MotoFest is shaping up to be a must-visit event for Kiwi riders this weekend.
👉 Learn more: https://www.brm.co.nz/motofest-2026-honda-demo-rides/
