The 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) gets underway this weekend at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, with a full race program from 20–22 February running alongside the FIM World Superbike and Supersport round held at the iconic track. Press: ASBK Media Pics: Russell Colvin & RbMotoLens
After a pre-season marked by major rider moves, fresh faces and renewed sponsorship, the championship’s first round kicks off with stacked grids across all classes – SW-Motech Superbike, Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen and Race & Road Supersport 300.
A total of 76 riders are entered for round one, including current and former ASBK champions, national contenders and promising newcomers. Only Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati), fresh from claiming his fifth Superbike title in 2025, heads into the weekend as the defending champion.
The opening round also brings renewed energy to the paddock thanks to Penrite Oil’s expanded role as naming-rights partner, reinforcing local motorsport support in its centenary year.
Spectators will see a deep talent pool battling on track, with standout performers such as Anthony West, Harrison Voight, Mike Jones, Cameron Dunker and Jonathan Nahlous among those poised to shine. Emerging riders like Marcus Hamod and Josh Newman also join the fray in the Superbike class, while Kawasaki Supersport and Next Gen fields boast strong entries from both experienced and younger racers.
As always at Phillip Island – with its fast, flowing layout – the season opener promises close, high-speed racing before the championship heads to Sydney Motorsport Park, The Bend, Morgan Park and Queensland Raceway later in the calendar. Read our 2025 ASBK content here…
