Trophy class back and building for 2027

The Superbike Supersport Trophy class returns for its second season in the Better Finance New Zealand Superbike Championship and organisers expect it to grow after a strong debut in 2026.

NZSBK promoter Mike Marsden says the class showed straight away that there was demand.

“Track day riders really took to it last season. They told us loud and clear they wanted somewhere to race competitively without being thrown in with the championship front-runners,” Marsden says.

“We’ve built on that for 2027. The Trophy class will have its own grid at the Star Insure Motofest, taking place at Hampton Downs over the weekend of March 6-7. The class will enjoy four races over the two days.

“In its first year the class attracted 10 riders, and based on the feedback I’m getting from class co-ordinator, Abbin Abraham, that number will grow in 2027.”

The class is aimed at riders who aren’t ready for the Superbike and Supersport 600 championships, or don’t want to race in them, but still want competitive track time among equals. Lap times will again be closely monitored to keep the grid even.

Class co-ordinator Abbin Abraham is excited about what the second season could bring.

“The idea is to get more riders on the grid, lining up without feeling threatened by fast championship racers, and last season proved that works,” Abraham says.

“A lot of the riders last season had never raced before. Now they’ve got a season under their belts and they’re coming back for more.”

Abraham believes the class can become a strong entry-level competition, especially for older riders on bigger bikes, and wants more track day riders to give it a go.

“We need to get more people on the track. If you’ve been doing track days and wondering what racing’s like, this is the place to find out.”