Pirelli announced as ‘Presented By’ partner for Penrite ASBK 2026

The Penrite Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) enters a new era in 2026, with Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli confirmed as the championship’s new ‘Presented By’ partner. ASBK will now be officially known as the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli.The partnership, facilitated by long-time ASBK supporter and Pirelli’s Australian distributor Link International, brings one of the most successful and iconic brands in global motorcycle road racing to the forefront of the Australian championship. Pirelli’s deep roots in the sport are highlighted by its role as the exclusive tyre supplier to the FIM Superbike World Championship since 2004, a technical pedigree it now brings directly to Australian competitors.With the technical demands of modern Superbike machinery, the alignment with Pirelli provides the series and its competitors and fans with a direct link to World Championship-level tyre technology.Peter Doyle, CEO of Motorcycling Australia, emphasised the significance of the Italian manufacturer’s commitment to the championship. “Securing Pirelli as the ‘presented by’ partner for 2026 is a major endorsement of the direction and competitiveness of ASBK,” he said. “To have a global brand like Pirelli directly supporting our national championship reinforces ASBK’s reputation as one of the leading domestic championships in the world. This partnership strengthens the foundation of the series for the future.”The agreement continues the long-standing collaboration between Link International and ASBK, further integrating Pirelli into the fabric of Australian motorcycle racing. Link International has been the Australian distributor for Pirelli motorcycle tyres for over 30 years, providing trackside support and technical expertise at ASBK rounds.Brenden Stoeckert, General Manager of Link International, pointed to the technical synergy between the brand and the championship. “Pirelli has always been about taking what we learn on the track and putting it into tyres riders can actually use on the road, and there’s no better proving ground than the superbike category,” he said. “Stepping up as the ‘Presented By’ partner is a natural next step in our commitment to the sport. This championship is relentless. It demands tyres that stay consistent, lap after lap, and hold up under serious punishment. That’s exactly what Pirelli is built to do. We’re proud to back Australian racing and excited to do it with an even bigger presence in 2026.”The 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli will commence with the traditional season opener this weekend at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, running in conjunction with the opening round of the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK).