- Three Riders Still in the Hunt – Rogan Chandler leads the Superbike championship, but Alistair Hoogenboezem and Luca Durning remain within striking distance with six races remaining.
- Final Rounds Loom – The championship heads to Hampton Downs before the season finale at Taupō where the 2026 NZSBK title will be decided.
- Battles Across Every Class – From Jake Lewis’s Supersport dominance to tight fights in Sportbike, ProTwins and the junior classes, the championship remains wide open.
Rogan Chandler holds a narrow 19-point lead heading into the final two rounds of the 2026 Star Insure New Zealand Superbike Championship, but with six races remaining and strong challenges from Alistair Hoogenboezem and Luca Durning, the title fight is far from decided.
The 2026 Star Insure New Zealand Superbike Championship is heading for a dramatic conclusion, with the title shaping into a three-way battle as the final rounds approach.
Rogan Chandler arrives at the last two rounds of the season in the strongest position, but with six races still remaining, the championship fight is far from settled.
The Upper Hutt rider has turned his season around in impressive fashion during the South Island leg of the championship. A commanding New Zealand Grand Prix victory at Ruapuna, followed by a stunning three-race clean sweep at Teretonga, has propelled the M1 Motorsport BMW rider into a 19-point lead in the standings.
“It all came together,” Chandler said.
“Having that extra year on the official Bridgestone race tyre helped, and learning how to properly race a superbike made a big difference. It’s a completely different technique to 600 Supersport.”
Despite the advantage, Chandler knows the title fight is far from over.
“I only have a 19-point lead, which is nothing with six races to go,” he admitted. “Hoogie and Luca will be right there.”
Close behind him are Alistair Hoogenboezem aboard the KMD Yamaha R1 and Luca Durning on the The Dentists BMW, both proven race winners who remain firmly in contention.
With such a narrow margin separating the leading trio, a single mistake, mechanical issue or standout weekend could dramatically swing the championship battle.
The series now heads to Hampton Downs before the final round at Taupō, setting up what promises to be a high-stakes showdown between three riders all capable of claiming the 2026 NZSBK Superbike crown.
With six races remaining, the championship remains wide open.
Supersport: Lewis the Target
While Superbike remains wide open, 600 Supersport has a clear benchmark. Defending champion Jake Lewis arrives on an extraordinary 18-race winning streak.
The KMD Yamaha rider continues to set the standard, but Ashton Hughes (Scott Structural Triumph) and Seth Devereux (DevroTech Kawasaki) have steadily closed the gap and will be looking to end the streak.
Sportbike: Four-Way Fight
The new Sportbike class remains one of the tightest contests of the season. Zak Fuller (Blue Wing Honda) leads, but Tyler King (AVANZ Aprilia), Luke Ryder (TR20 Aprilia) and Nixon Frost (TSS Motorcycles Suzuki) are all in the hunt across three different manufacturers.
ProTwins: Experience vs Youth
Multi-time champion Dennis Charlett (Moto Mechanix Yamaha) heads the standings, but Azlan Blackwell (Profile Metals Yamaha), rookie Marcus Thompson (Top Cars Yamaha) and Vaughan Maine (Springs Electrical Suzuki) continue to apply pressure.
300 & 150 Supersport: The Next Generation
Teen sensation Hunter Charlett (Optima Chartered Accountants Yamaha) is on a winning streak in both the 300 and 150 classes.
In 300 Supersport, Diego Petrucci (Evolve Moto Training Yamaha), Alvin Wu (Elevate Racing Yamaha), Jakob Henderson (Race Supplies Yamaha), Chris Reynolds (Affordable Storage Yamaha) and Harriet Grace (Helicraft Yamaha) are all chasing podium success.
In 150 Supersport, Ryder Chamberlain arrives fresh from a Teretonga win and lap record, with Billy Macrae also in contention.
Sidecars: Never Over
Spike and Bubba Taylor (Aotea Electric Wairarapa Suzuki) hold the points advantage, but with Barry and Dave Smith (Carl Cox Motorsport Kawasaki), defending champions Burt Wolland and Vaughan Maine, and Phil Law and Angus Ravenwood (Phil Law Panelbeating BMW) in the mix, nothing is guaranteed.
More Than Racing
Alongside the on-track action, MotoFest 2026 will also be taking place at Hampton Downs this weekend, giving fans even more reason to head along. The popular motorcycle festival features manufacturer displays, gear and accessory stands, and for the first time bookable demo rides, allowing riders to experience the latest bikes on a guided 40-minute road loop. With brands including Honda, KTM, Kawasaki, Suzuki and CFMOTO bringing machines for riders to try, it’s a rare chance to test some of the newest models while enjoying the NZSBK racing action.
For tickets & info, head HERE
