- Bridgestone control tyre credited with tighter, more competitive racing across all classes
- Record crowds driven by MotoFest, demo rides and family-focused event strategy
- 2027 to focus on consistency, rider growth and continued championship refinement
Record crowds, tighter racing and new initiatives have pushed NZSBK into one of its strongest eras — and promoter Mike Marsden says 2027 will be even better.
The New Zealand Superbike Championship has wrapped up one of its most successful seasons in recent memory, with promoter Mike Marsden confident the upward trajectory is only just beginning.
Following his second year leading the championship, Marsden says 2026 delivered on multiple fronts — from closer racing to stronger crowds — while also laying the groundwork for further gains in 2027.
“And it’s only going to get better,” he says.
A Championship on the Rise
A full post-season review has highlighted clear progress, but Marsden is quick to point out that refinement remains a key focus.
“We’re honest with ourselves. Yes, we’ve enjoyed a great season and I’m very pleased with the positive trajectory we’re on, but there are still areas where we can improve.”
Consistency across all rounds is high on the agenda, alongside attracting new competitors to a championship that is rapidly rebuilding its reputation.
The 2027 season is already taking shape, with discussions held between organisers and Motorcycling New Zealand, signalling alignment on the future direction of the series.
Bridgestone Effect Delivers Closer Racing
One of the defining changes in 2026 was the introduction of Bridgestone as the control tyre supplier — a move that has had a clear impact on competition.
“The result was outstanding racing across all classes — not just at the front, but right throughout the field,” says Marsden.
Multiple championships went down to the final round at Taupō International Motorsport Park, with some decided in the final race — a reflection of improved parity across the grid.
Adrian Cox, Group GM of Whites Powersports, echoed that sentiment, highlighting how a single tyre platform allowed teams to focus on setup and racecraft rather than chasing performance differences.
The result: more race winners, tighter battles and a more unpredictable championship.
MotoFest and Fan Experience Drive Crowds
Off-track initiatives also played a major role in the championship’s growth, none more so than the MotoFest Bike Show at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
“It was a winning initiative… and it’ll be back next year. Bigger and better,” Marsden confirms.
Lunchtime attractions also proved a major drawcard.
“The Legends Garage, featuring riders and bikes from past eras, along with the track cruises, are here to stay,” Marsden says.
“The sight and sound of more than 200 road bikes circulating Hampton Downs is something people won’t forget in a hurry.”
The addition of demo rides, trade displays and interactive attractions helped transform race weekends into full-scale events — a strategy that paid off with record attendances at both Hampton Downs and Ruapuna Raceway.
A strong focus on family-friendly entertainment also broadened the audience.
“What was especially pleasing was seeing grandparents, parents and kids all enjoying the event together.”
Restoring Prestige to Kiwi Titles
Central to Marsden’s vision has been restoring the status of New Zealand’s most historic honours, including the New Zealand Grand Prix and TT titles.
“We set out to restore the mana of the GP and TT titles, and we’ve achieved that.”
“Everyone — our partners, officials, riders, teams, sponsors, marshals and track staff — should be proud. You’ve all played a vital role in securing the future of this series.”
The introduction of the Aaron Slight Trophy has added another layer of prestige, helping build a stronger identity for the championship moving forward.
Pathway for New Riders Strengthened
The non-championship Superbike and Supersport Trophy classes also returned in 2026, providing a clear entry point for track day riders stepping up to national-level competition.
“It was a great success this year and indications are there will be even more riders on the grid next year,” Marsden says.
2026 Champions and standout performers
Aaron Slight Trophy: Rogan Chandler (M1 Motorsport BMW)
Superbike
#1 Rogan Chandler (M1 Motorsport BMW)
Chandler captured the 2026 New Zealand Superbike Championship after a fiercely contested season that went right down to the wire in Taupō.
Throughout the year he was pushed relentlessly by a highly competitive field, featuring season‑long battles with Luca Durning (The Dentists BMW), Morgan McLaren‑Wood (Suzuki) and Alastair Hoogenboezem (KMD Yamaha Racing), producing some of the closest superbike racing seen in years.
Durning was particularly impressive in his first full season on a superbike, adapting quickly to the premier class and emerging as a genuine title contender.
Chandler’s consistency, composure and ability to perform under pressure ultimately proved decisive in one of the tightest superbike title fights in recent memory.
Supersport
#1 Jake Lewis (KMD Yamaha Racing)
Lewis continued his exceptional form in 2026, securing the Supersport 600 title with commanding performances across the season.
Despite strong pressure from a highly competitive field, including the consistent challenges of Jesse Stroud (KMD Yamaha Racing), Ashton Hughes (Scott Structural Triumph) and Hayden Fordyce (Elevate Racing Yamaha), Lewis maintained his advantage through consistency, speed and race management experience.
Lewis’ sixth NZ championship win was also a fitting way to announce his retirement from top level racing.
Sportbike
#1 Zak Fuller (Blue Wing Honda)
The introduction of the showroom-focussed Sportbike class in 2026 added a new dimension to the championship and immediately proved to be one of the series’ most competitive categories.
Zak Fuller adapted quickly to the new class and delivered a strong, consistent season to secure the inaugural Sportbike title.
He was pushed hard throughout the series by Tyler King (AVANZ Aprilia) and Nixon Frost (TSS Motorcycles Suzuki), whose performances ensured the championship battle remained alive until the final race, reinforcing the strength and potential of the Sportbike category.
ProTwin
#1 Dennis Charlett (Optima Chartered Accountants Yamaha)
Veteran racer Dennis Charlett once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most respected riders in the paddock, securing the ProTwin title through a blend of experience, precision and season‑long consistency.
The championship was hard fought, with riders such as Azlan Blackwell (Profile Metals Yamaha) and Cameron Leslie (Yamaha) continuing to show strong pace and determination, the latter still recovering from an early season injury.
Supersport 150 and 300
#1 Hunter Charlett (Optima Chartered Accountants Yamaha)
Charlett was perhaps the standout performer of the 2026 season, claiming both the Supersport 150 and Supersport 300 Championships and the prestigious NZ GP, NZ TT and Aaron Slight titles.
His composure and race craft across two highly competitive classes marks him as one of New Zealand’s most exciting young prospects.
Sidecars
#1 Spike Taylor & Bubba Taylor (Aotea Electrical Wairarapa LCR Suzuki)
The Sidecar Championship was full of dramas and close action through all four rounds, meaning the title chase went down to the final chequered flag of the season.
Overall honours went to the Taylor father and son combo, whose third place in the final race was enough for the main prize.
But they were pushed all season by Barry and Dave Smith (Carl Cox Motorsport LCR Kawasaki) and Phil Law and Angus Ravenwood (Phil Law Panelbeating Windle BMW).
Emerging Talent
Harriet Grace (Helicraft Racing Yamaha) continued her strong progression in 2026, finishing third overall in the Supersport 300 Championship and further cementing her status as New Zealand’s leading emerging female talent.
The lightweight classes delivered some of the closest and most compelling racing of the season, with Grace consistently battling in a highly competitive field that included the likes of Joe Stroud (Kawasaki) and Alvin Wu (Elevate Racing Yamaha).
Strong performances from Mya Wilcox (Helicraft Racing Yamaha), Billie McRae (Yamaha) and Ryder Chamberlain (Yamaha) further showcased a growing depth of young talent across both the Supersport 150 and 300 grids, pointing to an exciting future for Kiwi motorcycle racing.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With no major changes planned to class structures, the focus now shifts to refining delivery and maintaining momentum.
“We’ve had two years of learning — listening, asking questions and evolving,” says Marsden.
“With the ongoing support of MNZ and our partners, we’re ready to take another step forward.”
Photo credit: Photo: MNZ/Derek Morrison/BRM
