Three round 12 race format confirmed for NZSBK 2027

Racers from across seven classes will once again contest 12 races to decide the title winners – but over three rounds.

The 2027 series begins at Levels Raceway in Timaru on January 21-23 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), followed a week later by the New Zealand Grand Prix event at Ruapuna in Christchurch (January 29-31), finishing at the MotoFest Bike Show, NZ TT and Aaron Slight Trophy spectacular at Hampton Downs on March 5-7.
The traditional three-race, three-day format will become a four-race, three-day event, with four rounds condensed into three.
Series promoter Mike Marsden says the change is designed to maximise the return on the ever-increasing cost to run motorsport events in New Zealand, while most importantly reducing costs for competitors in a challenging economic environment – but without reducing the amount of racing.

"It’s a tough environment at the moment, so we need to maximise value for all involved, particularly our competitors," says Marsden.

"That means consolidating and capitalising on the progress we have made over the past two years.
“We will only run three events, but three very good, viable and successful events while delivering the same amount of track time for competitors.
“The new format also presents a much better proposition for fans, with a full race card on both Saturday and Sunday to enjoy.

Day one will include two practice sessions for each class (Free Practice 1 and FP2) and qualifying will take place in the afternoon.

Day two and three will feature a 10-minute warm-up for all classes before two races.

There will be invited support classes, including Superbike and Supersport Trophy, BEARS, Classics and Carl Cox Cup.

Motorcycling New Zealand’s Road Race Commissioner Andy Skelton supports the move to a three-round championship in 2027 and the new four race event format.
“Condensing four rounds into three in 2027 is the right move given the current economic environment, and the suitability of available circuits,” says Skelton. “The new format will offer more value per round for riders and spectators.”
“The intention for 2028 is to add a round at Manfield, aligned with MotoFest, and we have already started that process.
Skelton also recognises the need to capatilise on recent growth.
“It’s great to be involved with something that is growing year on year and the foundational effort, commitment and energy extended by all stakeholders is starting to deliver on what will become a super series.”
Skelton says Class structure will remain the same in 2027 with possibly some development around evolution for the long term.
“The homologation process review is well under way as well as Technical Rule changes for classes which will be announced shortly when feedback form Class Co-ordinaters has been captured.

Off track, Marsden and his team have been busy also, working with Motorcycling New Zealand to ensure technical parity and consistency, clear lines of communication between riders and officials, an updated health and safety policy and a series' digital handbook.

"We've been having some very positive and forward-looking meetings with the MNZ Race Commission and category co-ordinators," Marsden says.

"Some of those conversations revolved around our decision not to be part of the Burt Munro Challenge next year.

"It wasn't easy but the Burt stands alone as a great event. Unfortunately for us, their particular event format doesn't fit with our need to establish a consistent NZSBK event programme.

"Looking ahead, we hope to return to a four-round, 16 race Championship in 2028; ideally with Manfeild as part of the series," Marsden says. “Geographically, a round at Manfield makes sense and the ultimate goal is to lock in the same series dates, at the same tracks year on year.