NZSBK Reflects On Successful 2026 Season, Bridgestone Partnership A Standout Success

New initiatives, exceptional racing, and record crowds combined to deliver one of the most successful seasons in the history of the Star Insure New Zealand Superbike Championship (NZSBK).

“And it’s only going to get better,” says promoter Mike Marsden.

Having wrapped up his second season at the helm of the country’s premier motorcycle racing series, Marsden is already deep into planning for 2027, with the championship set to once again span both the North and South Islands.

Following a comprehensive review of the 2026 season, Marsden and his team are clear-eyed about both the progress made and the work still to be done.

“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,” he says.

“That will be a key focus over the coming months. We want to implement systems that ensure every round is delivered with the same high level of professionalism and consistency.

“We also want to attract new riders — competitors who recognise the value of winning a New Zealand Championship in a category defined by parity, and in front of large crowds at the country’s best events.”

Planning for 2027 is already underway, with Marsden recently meeting representatives from Motorcycling New Zealand, including general manager Vicky Hicks, along with members of the Road Racing and Officials Commissions.

“We covered a lot of ground, and it’s fair to say we’re aligned in our vision for 2027,” Marsden says.

One of the standout successes of the 2026 championship was the introduction of Bridgestone as the official tyre supplier.

“The result was outstanding racing across all classes — not just at the front, but right throughout the field,” Marsden says.

“The level of competition was a real highlight and provided fantastic entertainment for spectators.

“To have multiple championships decided in the final weekend — and in one case, the final race — added an extra layer of excitement and tension to the series.”

Marsden also highlighted the value delivered off the track, with a rider-friendly tyre pricing structure and sponsorship support helping to keep entry fees at 2025 levels while strengthening the commercial foundation of the championship.

“It created a genuine level playing field — not just on the track, but off it as well. Every championship rider has benefited from Bridgestone’s involvement.”

His comments were echoed by Adrian Cox, group general manager of Whites Powersports, the Bridgestone importer.

"From the opening round to the dramatic Taupō finale, nearly every major class saw battles that came down to the final weekend, showcasing the talent and growing strength of New Zealand road racing," Cox notes.

"A major catalyst for this uplift was the first year of Bridgestone’s three-year partnership as the official tyre supplier.

"The consistency and stability of a single, highperformance race tyre package allowed riders to push hard and race closer which made for competitive racing enjoyed by racers and spectators alike.

"Bridgestone’s marketing effort, branding presence at all rounds, and integration within the paddock, combined with technical tyre support at the track, contributed significantly to the professionalism and parity seen throughout the 2026 season.

"Teams were able to focus on race craft and setup with confidence in tyre performance, and the result was a championship filled with unpredictable battles, multiple race winners and excitement across every class," Cox says.

Marsden is also happy with the hugely successful Star Insure MotoFest Bike Show, part of the Hampton Downs round of the series.

"It was a winning initiative," he says, "and it'll be back next year. Bigger and better."

"The response from the motorcycle industry has been very positive.

Also back next season will be the non-championship Superbike and Supersport Trophy categories, aimed at introducing track day riders into national scene.

"It was a great success this year and indications are there will be even more riders on the grid next year."

Marsden is particularly encouraged by spectator growth, crediting a significant investment in marketing and promotion, with a deliberate focus on family-friendly entertainment and off-track experiences.

“People often underestimate the entertainment value of a motorsport event, so we made that a central part of our marketing strategy,” he says.

The result was record crowds at Ruapuna and Hampton Downs, with a strong multi-generational turnout.

“What was especially pleasing was seeing grandparents, parents and kids all enjoying the event together.”

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.”

Marsden also highlighted the renewed emphasis on the prestigious New Zealand Grand Prix and TT titles, along with the introduction of the Aaron Slight Trophy races as key features of each round.

“We set out to restore the mana of the GP and TT titles, and we’ve achieved that.

“The Aaron Slight feature races — and the overall trophy — are the beginning of building another lasting legacy in Kiwi motorcycle racing.”

He was quick to acknowledge the collective effort behind the championship’s resurgence.

“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.”

Looking ahead to 2027, Marsden says stability will be paired with continued refinement.

“There won’t be changes to the class structure or names, but there will be improvements in how meetings are delivered.

“We’ve had two years of learning — listening, asking questions and evolving. With the ongoing support of MNZ and our partners, we’re ready to take another step forward in elevating NZSBK.”

• The 2026 New Zealand Superbike Championship was supported by StarInsure, Bridgestone, Iconic Motorbikes, Putoline, Race Supplies, Cyclespot Group, Alpinestars, Yetitech.

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 seasonlong battles with Luca Durning (The Dentists BMW), Morgan McLarenWood (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 seasonlong 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.

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