Register to Race via new rider portal

Circuit hire prices in the North Island have increased markedly in recent times while racing at Ruapuna is significantly more expensive than running at Timaru.

That’s the bad news, but NZSBK promoter Mike Marsden has the good news.

“I’m happy to announce entry fees for our Star Insure Championship classes will not change, and you can thank Bridgestone for that,” Marsden says.

“The sponsorship revenue that we get from the official tyre agreement has allowed the series to absorb many of the rising costs of going racing.

“So, please remember, every Bridgestone tyre you buy helps subsidise your racing,” Marsden says.

That means entry costs for Superbike, Supersport 600, ProTwins, Sportbike, Superlites, and Supersport 300 all stay at 2025 levels – $495 per round.

Entry fees for Supersport 150 remain at last season’s $295 per round.

For those entering the non-championship classes the entry fee will be $395 per round.

The above fees apply to the three NZSBK-promoted rounds at Ruapuna, Hampton Downs and Taupo.

The Round Two entry fee for Teretonga will be set by the Burt Munro Challenge Management Team and early indications are these will be the similar to last year.

Rider Portal launched – Register for 2026 Now

Marsden has  been busy over the past few months, developing and finalising further initiatives, all aimed at lifting the profile, professionalism and prestige of the series.

One initiative is the introduction of a Rider Portal, accessed through the NZSBK website.

“I’m calling on all riders to register to race as soon as possible for the 2026 season. The sooner we can get a clear handle on who is racing the better as it is critical for planning purposes.”

Register via the form on the New Rider Portal https://www.nzsuperbikeseries.co.nz/riders-portal 

The Rider portal will house other key rider information including:

• Test Day and Tyre Ordering Information
• Entry Fee Information
• Series Media Stats
• Team Profile Opportunity 
• Rider Profile Information Request

Please have a look and save the page to your favourites.

Official NZSBK Bridgestone Test Day confirmed

Taupo Motorsport Park has been booked for Saturday, October 25 for an official NZSBK Bridgestone Set-Up and Test Day. 

Bridgestone staff will be in attendance to help answer any questions, as well as Leroy Rich, from DarkArt Suspension, to provide basic suspension advice and a tyre fitting service. 

The good news continues. 

Bridgestone are making tyres available for the set-up day at NZSBK discounted prices, but riders and teams must place their orders by the end of August.

Email your tyre order to:  dave@bridgestonemoto.co.nz

“You won't be charged until delivery or collection, but you must be registered to race in the 2026 Star Insure Championship,” Marsden says. 

Register via the Rider Portal. https://www.nzsuperbikeseries.co.nz/riders-portal

The Test Day price is $225 per rider. A booking link will be emailed to riders at a later date.

Superbike rider Dave Sharp is also holding a general test day on Sunday, October 26.

Bridgestone Tyre Orders

Bridgestone have a significant amount of race tyres landing across this month, August and September. 

“Submitting your ‘Tyre Allocation Request Form’ for the 2026 season as soon as possible helps Bridgestone to plan accordingly and place additional orders if required,” Marsden says. 

“Help them, help you! 

“Remember, you don’t have to pay now but submitting your Request Form secures your stock and place in the queue. 

“Tyres will be supplied on a first come first served process, so don't leave it to the last minute.”

Click here to place your order: https://www.bridgestonemoto.co.nz/ or email dave@whitespowersports.com

Final Season for Superlites

Season 2026 will be the last for Superlites as a New Zealand Championship Class. 

The category focus will be on the popular ProTwins and new Sportbike classes from 2027 onwards. 

The decision to drop the class at national championship level follows discussions between NZSBK and the Motorcycling New Zealand Road Racing Commission.

“We have to align the category with what's being sold in dealer showrooms,” Marsden says.

“This is why we have listened to the industry and are launching the Sportbike class, which brings into play so many more makes and current showroom models.

“Rather than cancel the class now, we have decided to give notice that this season will be the last, providing riders plenty of time to plan and ideally move to ProTwins or Sportbike for 2027,” Marsden says.