Chandler Leads Three-Way Title Fight

The 2026 Star Insure New Zealand Superbike Championship is heading for a dramatic finish — and it has become a three-man battle for the crown.

Rogan Chandler arrives at the final two rounds in the strongest position, but with six races remaining, the title is far from secured.

The Upper Hutt rider has transformed his South Island fortunes this season. A commanding NZ 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 championship lead.

“It all came together,” Chandler says.
“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.”

That advantage gives Chandler control — but not comfort.

Hot on his heels are Alistair Hoogenboezem (KMD Yamaha) and Luca Durning (The Dentists BMW), both well within striking distance and both proven race winners. One mistake, one DNF, or one inspired weekend could turn the championship on its head.

“I only have a 19-point lead, which is nothing with six races to go,” Chandler admits. “Hoogie and Luca will be right there.”

With racing at Hampton Downs followed by the grand finale at Taupō, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown between three riders with everything to play for.

Caption: Rogan Chandler & Luca Durning.

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.

Image: Tyler King

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.

Image: Hunter Charlett.

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.