MA and the ASBK Management Team have unveiled a bold new direction for the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK), announcing a transitional 2026 season ahead of a landmark shift to a full summer calendar in 2027.

The strategic move will align ASBK with leading international superbike championships that traditionally run through the warmer months, while also aiming to boost attendance, expand broadcast reach, and open the door for greater international rider participation.The 2026 ASBK Championship will run over five condensed rounds, designed to bridge the gap to the new summer schedule. The season will kick off February 20–22 at Phillip Island alongside the WorldSBK opener, maintaining the long-standing tradition of beginning the year at Australia’s most iconic circuit.From there, the championship heads to Sydney Motorsport Park (March 27–28), The Bend (May 1–3), Morgan Park (May 29–31), and concludes June 26–28 with the ASBK Grand Finale at Queensland Raceway. Superbike competitors will contest 11 races across the five rounds.

After the June finale, ASBK will take an extended winter break before launching its first-ever summer-format championship. The all-new ASBK summer season will span seven rounds, beginning in October 2026 and concluding in April 2027. The provisional 2027 calendar includes:

Round 1: October 2026 – Location TBA
Round 2: November 2026 – The Bend, SA
Round 3: December 2026 – One Raceway, NSW
Round 4: January 2027 – Location TBA
Round 5: February 2027 – Phillip Island, Vic (WorldSBK)
Round 6: March 2027 – Queensland Raceway, Qld
Round 7: April 2027 – The Bend, SA

Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle said the move is the result of years of behind-the-scenes planning and increasing support from manufacturers, industry partners, and teams.

“We now have the support of the manufactures, industry and our partners. With the ASBK Championship in a strong position, now looks to be the best time,” Doyle said. He acknowledged the intensity of the transition year ahead but emphasised the long-term benefits.

Peter Doyle joined Mladin at Suzuki.

“ASBK racing in the summer months aims to bring more fans to the trackside enjoying sunny weather and great racing – and with more eyes watching our TV broadcasts without competition from football codes and other sports. It also opens the opportunity for international riders to join ASBK in their off-season. It’s an exciting time for ASBK as we take these new steps.”Riley Nauta 2025 ASBK Round Three Report.

Both the 2026 and 2027 championships will introduce an all-new Teams Championship in Superbike and Supersport, recognising the critical role teams play in the sport’s competitive fabric. Additionally, ASBK will shift its podium format to award trophies to the top three finishers of each race only, retiring the traditional ‘overall round’ podium. Further announcements regarding class structures and finalised dates for the 2027 summer calendar are expected soon, as ASBK prepares for one of the most significant evolutions in its modern history. The countdown to a new era of Australian Superbike racing has officially begun.

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