Unlike recent seasons where The Bend hosted the championship finale, the South Australian venue now lands in the middle of the calendar, but the pressure on riders remains just as intense across all five championship classes.

Read our ASBK content here…

In the premier SW-Motech Superbike category, Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati) arrives with the championship lead after winning three of the opening five races. Teammate and five-time champion Josh Waters sits second, trailing by just 14 points, while Jacob Roulstone (Motocity Honda) holds third after a strong start to his rookie Superbike campaign.

Cru Halliday sits fourth following a pair of podiums at Sydney Motorsport Park, while Anthony West, Cameron Dunker, Glenn Allerton, Mike Jones, Jonathan Nahlous and Jack Favelle remain closely grouped in a tightly contested standings battle.

Jones will be one to watch at The Bend, with three wins and eight podiums from 11 races at the circuit, and will be aiming to bounce back after a subdued start to the season.

Elsewhere, the Kawasaki Supersport championship is led by Jake Farnsworth ahead of Valentino Knezovic and Josh Soderland, while the Supersport Next Gen class sees Olly Simpson narrowly leading Tom Edwards and Hayden Nelson.

The always unpredictable Supersport 300 class has already produced four different winners in five races, with New Zealander Tyler King leading the standings ahead of rookie Orlando Peovitis.

The BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup will also feature at The Bend, with Tom Cameron arriving with a 22-point lead after winning all three races at the Sydney opener.

Fans attending the event can also enjoy off-track entertainment including stunt shows, a trade alley, bike displays and a free Sunday pit-lane walk. Get your tickets here…

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Now competing at the highest level domestically on a Superbike with the factory Yamaha team, Nahlous continues to establish himself as one of the country’s most promising young talents. Alongside his domestic campaign, Nahlous is set to compete in the 2026 European Moto2 Championship with AGR Team, a critical step toward his ultimate goal of representing Australia in MotoGP.

To support this next chapter, ‘Dare to Dream’, a fundraising dinner, will be held on June 19 at Waterview, Bicentennial Park in Sydney. The event will celebrate Nahlous’ journey to date, while providing vital support as he prepares to compete in Europe against some of the world’s strongest emerging riders.

Designed to bring together businesses, supporters, and the broader motorsport community, the evening offers a more formal setting to connect while playing a direct role in supporting an Australian athlete on the pathway to the world stage. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner with canapés and drinks, alongside an evening program featuring special guest speakers, live entertainment, auctions, and raffles.

Corporate table packages are a key focus of the event, providing businesses with the opportunity to host clients, reward staff, and align with an emerging Australian talent competing internationally.

EVENT DETAILS (Call organisers for pricing and reservation)

The post JJ Nahlous Fundraising Dinner | European Moto2 Campaign appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Roulstone (Motocity Honda) produced one of the rides of the weekend in race two, launching from third position on the final lap to snatch his maiden ASBK Superbike victory in just his second start. In contrast, Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati) was untouchable in race three, delivering a clinical, front-running performance to underline his status as an early title favourite.

With a 1-4-1 scorecard across the three races, Voight emerged as the overall round winner and leaves Phillip Island with a six-point championship lead over Roulstone, 68 points to 62, heading into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27–28. Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) sits third overall on 56 points.

“I’m chuffed with how things have gone this weekend,” Voight said. “My pace was great, and even in the mixed conditions of race two I was thinking about the championship. Overall, it’s been a fantastic start to the year.”

SW-Motech Superbike

Light drizzle played a significant role in both 11-lap Superbike races, creating constant tyre-choice headaches for teams and riders. After a frantic switch to slicks following the sighting lap of race two, defending champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) launched strongly and controlled the race until the closing moments.

Waters came under increasing pressure from Glenn Allerton before being overwhelmed on the final lap, with Dunker slicing through at Turn 2 and Roulstone diving past at Turn 4. Roulstone then executed a perfectly judged move on Dunker exiting Turn 10 to secure a sensational breakthrough Superbike victory. Waters held on for third ahead of Voight, Glenn Allerton, Anthony West, Mike Jones and Cru Halliday.

Race three belonged entirely to Voight. Breaking away from the pack almost immediately, the 19-year-old reeled off a blistering 1:30.855 on lap three – just shy of his own circuit benchmark – before managing his advantage as drizzle returned late in the race. It marked Voight’s third Superbike victory at Phillip Island in only seven starts.

Behind him, the battle for the podium remained intense. Roulstone briefly ran off on lap eight and dropped to seventh, but mounted a strong recovery to finish fourth behind Voight, Jonathan Nahlous and Dunker. West completed the top five ahead of Waters, Allerton and Jack Favelle. After round one, Waters sits fourth in the championship standings on 50 points, followed by Nahlous (47), West (45), Allerton (42) and Jones (42).

Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen

Declared a wet race but ridden at dry-race intensity, the final Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen encounter delivered one of the finishes of the season. Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) claimed victory by a scarcely believable 0.001 seconds after drafting past Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) at the line.

Simpson had nearly thrown away his chances moments earlier with a near-crash at Turn 9, allowing Toparis to take lead. Refusing to concede, Simpson regrouped and struck back in the final metres to seal his second win of the weekend.

Tom Edwards (BCperformance Kawasaki) was close behind in third ahead of Jake Farnsworth, Hayden Nelson, Will Nassif, Roberto Tamburini and rookie Ghage Plowman. Tamburini leads the Supersport standings after round one on 69 points, while Simpson tops Supersport Next Gen from Edwards and Nelson.

Race and Road Supersport 300

Morning drizzle created sketchy conditions for the final Race and Road Supersport 300 race, but it mattered little to Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), who dominated the shortened four-lap encounter for a commanding three-second victory.

It marked Morrison’s third Phillip Island win in the past nine races and lifted her to third in the championship standings. Lincoln Knight (Yamaha) finished second, while Jordy Simpson completed a clean sweep of third places for the weekend. The 2026 ASBK Championship now moves to Sydney Motorsport Park for round two on March 27–28.

Full results can be found for all classes here…

Round one of the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship delivered a fitting finale at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, with Jacob Roulstone and Harrison Voight claiming the SW-Motech Superbike honours in dramatically different fashion on Sunday. Press: ASBK Media Photos: RbMotoLens

Roulstone (Motocity Honda) produced one of the rides of the weekend in race two, launching from third position on the final lap to snatch his maiden ASBK Superbike victory in just his second start. In contrast, Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati) was untouchable in race three, delivering a clinical, front-running performance to underline his status as an early title favourite.

With a 1-4-1 scorecard across the three races, Voight emerged as the overall round winner and leaves Phillip Island with a six-point championship lead over Roulstone, 68 points to 62, heading into round two at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27–28. Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) sits third overall on 56 points.

“I’m chuffed with how things have gone this weekend,” Voight said. “My pace was great, and even in the mixed conditions of race two I was thinking about the championship. Overall, it’s been a fantastic start to the year.”

SW-Motech Superbike

Light drizzle played a significant role in both 11-lap Superbike races, creating constant tyre-choice headaches for teams and riders. After a frantic switch to slicks following the sighting lap of race two, defending champion Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) launched strongly and controlled the race until the closing moments.

Waters came under increasing pressure from Glenn Allerton before being overwhelmed on the final lap, with Dunker slicing through at Turn 2 and Roulstone diving past at Turn 4. Roulstone then executed a perfectly judged move on Dunker exiting Turn 10 to secure a sensational breakthrough Superbike victory. Waters held on for third ahead of Voight, Glenn Allerton, Anthony West, Mike Jones and Cru Halliday.

Race three belonged entirely to Voight. Breaking away from the pack almost immediately, the 19-year-old reeled off a blistering 1:30.855 on lap three – just shy of his own circuit benchmark – before managing his advantage as drizzle returned late in the race. It marked Voight’s third Superbike victory at Phillip Island in only seven starts.

Behind him, the battle for the podium remained intense. Roulstone briefly ran off on lap eight and dropped to seventh, but mounted a strong recovery to finish fourth behind Voight, Jonathan Nahlous and Dunker. West completed the top five ahead of Waters, Allerton and Jack Favelle. After round one, Waters sits fourth in the championship standings on 50 points, followed by Nahlous (47), West (45), Allerton (42) and Jones (42).

Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen

Declared a wet race but ridden at dry-race intensity, the final Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen encounter delivered one of the finishes of the season. Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) claimed victory by a scarcely believable 0.001 seconds after drafting past Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) at the line.

Simpson had nearly thrown away his chances moments earlier with a near-crash at Turn 9, allowing Toparis to take lead. Refusing to concede, Simpson regrouped and struck back in the final metres to seal his second win of the weekend.

Tom Edwards (BCperformance Kawasaki) was close behind in third ahead of Jake Farnsworth, Hayden Nelson, Will Nassif, Roberto Tamburini and rookie Ghage Plowman. Tamburini leads the Supersport standings after round one on 69 points, while Simpson tops Supersport Next Gen from Edwards and Nelson.

Race and Road Supersport 300

Morning drizzle created sketchy conditions for the final Race and Road Supersport 300 race, but it mattered little to Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), who dominated the shortened four-lap encounter for a commanding three-second victory.

It marked Morrison’s third Phillip Island win in the past nine races and lifted her to third in the championship standings. Lincoln Knight (Yamaha) finished second, while Jordy Simpson completed a clean sweep of third places for the weekend. The 2026 ASBK Championship now moves to Sydney Motorsport Park for round two on March 27–28.

Full results can be found for all classes here…

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The Queenslander wasted no time asserting control, launching his McMartin Racing Ducati into the lead from the outset and steadily stretching his advantage across the 11-lap encounter. Calm, precise and relentlessly fast, Voight was never seriously challenged on his way to a crushing win in just his sixth career Superbike start.

Behind him, the battle for the remaining podium places delivered the race’s drama. Superbike rookie Jacob Roulstone (Motocity Honda) rode with remarkable maturity to secure second place, while Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools Racing Yamaha) completed an all-young-guns SW-Motech Superbike podium.

As Voight checked out up front, a multi-rider freight train developed behind. Roulstone and Dunker traded blows while Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) remained poised just off their rear wheel, biding his time in trademark fashion.

Defending champion Josh Waters endured an eventful race, running off at Turn 4 on lap two before recovering to latch onto the leading group. He was joined by Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team) and polesitter Anthony West, forming a six-rider train that ultimately stayed intact to the chequered flag.

The order remained unchanged at the finish, with Roulstone crossing the line 2.932 seconds behind Voight and narrowly ahead of Dunker, Waters, Jones and Nahlous. For Waters, fifth place marked his first non-podium Superbike finish at Phillip Island since the opening round of the 2022 season.

West finished seventh ahead of Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati) and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha), rounding out the top 10.

Supersport: Simpson and Tamburini share honours

The Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen classes delivered two fiercely contested races under perfect Phillip Island conditions. Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati) claimed race one by just 0.075 seconds from polesitter Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki), while evergreen Italian Roberto Tamburini (Addicted to Track Yamaha) capitalised on late-race drama to win race two by nearly a second over Tom Edwards.

Across the two races, Tamburini emerged as the top Supersport performer ahead of Valentino Knezovic and Scott Nicholson, while Simpson led the Supersport Next Gen standings from Edwards and Nelson.

Supersport 300: King takes Trans-Tasman honours

The Race and Road Supersport 300 class again produced edge-of-the-seat racing, with New Zealander Tyler King emerging victorious after an eight-lap all-in brawl. Just 0.593 seconds covered the top 11 riders at the finish, with Jordy Simpson completing the podium ahead of Rossi McAdam, Jake Senior and Phoenix O’Brien.

Lincoln Knight set the fastest lap of the race despite finishing at the tail of the leading pack, underlining the ferocity of the contest. Races two and three of the SW-Motech Superbike class will be held on Sunday morning and afternoon as Round 1 of the 2026 ASBK season continues.

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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…

The post ASBK 2026 News | Round One Race Action Kicks Off This Weekend! appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

With just over a month to go, organisers have officially released the full three-day event schedule, confirming a packed program of international and domestic racing across the weekend – we will see you there!

World Championship On-Track Action

On the international front, WorldSBK will begin proceedings on Friday, February 20, with two Free Practice sessions, while the World Supersport (WorldSSP) field will complete Free Practice followed by the all-important Tissot Superpole session.

Read our WorldSBK reports and features here…

Saturday’s action ramps up with WorldSBK’s final Free Practice, before Superpole and Race 1 close out the day. WorldSSP will contest a Warm Up session ahead of Race 1 later in the afternoon.

The event concludes on Sunday, February 22, with WorldSBK Warm Up, followed by the Tissot Superpole Race and the final feature Race 2, scheduled for a 4:00pm finish. WorldSSP will also complete their Warm Up and Race 2 during the closing day.

Strong Australian and International Line-Up

All permanent WorldSBK and WorldSSP riders have been confirmed for the season opener. Australia’s presence remains strong, with Remy Gardner returning for his fourth WorldSBK season aboard the GYTR GRT Yamaha, while Oli Bayliss continues in World Supersport with PTR Triumph Factory Racing.

Check out the awesome Pirelli Tyre ticket giveaway here…

Several high-profile changes headline the 2026 grid, including Miguel Oliveira, who will make his WorldSBK debut with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, following a long MotoGP career. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) enters the season as one of the favourites after finishing runner-up in 2025, just 13 points behind outgoing champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, who departs for MotoGP in 2026.

Australian Superbike Championship Support

Supporting the World Championship is Round 1 of the 2026 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), featuring Australian Superbike, Supersport, and Supersport 300 categories.

Read our ASBK reports here…

Domestic classes begin Friday morning with Free Practice, followed by Qualifying for Supersport and Supersport 300. Supersport 300 Race 1 will close out Friday’s track action.

Saturday includes Australian Superbike Qualifying, Supersport 300 Race 2, Supersport Race 1, and Australian Superbike Race 1, before Supersport completes Race 2 later in the day.

Sunday delivers the final domestic races of the round, with Supersport 300 Race 3, Australian Superbike Race 2, Supersport Race 3, and Australian Superbike Race 3 rounding out the weekend.

Tickets, Access and Fan Experience

General Admission tickets offer extensive viewing access across the circuit, including the popular outfield areas near Gardner Straight. Fans can also ride their motorcycles directly to select viewing points.

Premium options include BarSBK, offering prime viewing locations at Doohan Corner, Siberia and Lukey Heights, as well as camping at the circuit, with both motorcycle-only and general camping areas available. Limited powered sites are offered.

For the ultimate experience, VIP Hospitality and ClubSBK packages provide pit roof access, premium facilities and views of Superbikes reaching speeds of up to 320km/h along Gardner Straight.

All ticket holders receive free paddock access, including Parc Fermé, podium celebrations, rider interviews, merchandise, food and drink, and The Paddock Show, hosted by Michael Hill across all three days.

Tickets are available now via worldsbk.com.au and Ticketek…

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Waters’ path of least resistance to winning an unprecedented fifth SW-Motech Superbike title was always going to come in the battle for grid positions, and the script went perfectly to plan for the McMartin Racing Ducati star.

Waters qualified in fifth, but with arch-rival Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) unable to secure pole position Waters now takes a 50p lead into Sunday’s two 11-lap races. Even if Jones wins both battles and Waters doesn’t score any points – extremely unlikely for such a well-drilled champion – Waters would still win the championship on a countback.

With the numbers falling his way, it was a super Saturday for Waters, who won his first Superbike title in 2009 followed by further successes in 2012, 2017 and 2024. After three decades of Aussie Superbike brilliance, Waters still can’t fully comprehend what he has achieved.

“When I started road racing I used to stand outside Shawn Giles’ garage and think ‘Will I ever be like that’?, said Waters, referencing the former three-time Superbike champion (2000-2002).

“Now to win five titles against such a high level of competition means so much. This year has been really special. I’ve got such a great team and crew around me, and everyone at home is such a big support: my wife, my family, my training partners. It just means so much.”

Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) will start from pole in the SW-Motech Superbike races, and will be joined on the front row by Jones and Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Honda).

The post Josh Waters secures 5th Australian Superbike title! appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Waters’ path of least resistance to winning an unprecedented fifth SW-Motech Superbike title was always going to come in the battle for grid positions, and the script went perfectly to plan for the McMartin Racing Ducati star.

Read our Round 7 report here…

Waters qualified in fifth, but with arch-rival Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team #46) unable to secure pole position, Waters took a 50p lead into Sunday’s two 11-lap races.

Even if Jones won both battles and Waters didn’t score any points – extremely unlikely for such a well-drilled champion – Waters would still win the championship on a countback. With the numbers falling his way, it was a super Saturday for Waters, who won his first Superbike title in 2009, followed by further successes in 2012, 2017 and 2024.

After three decades of Aussie Superbike brilliance, Waters still can’t fully comprehend what he has achieved. “When I started road racing, I used to stand outside Shawn Giles’ garage and think, ‘Will I ever be like that’?,” said Waters, referencing the former three-time Superbike champion (2000-2002).

“Now to win five titles against such a high level of competition means so much. This year has been really special. I’ve got such a great team and crew around me, and everyone at home is such a big support: my wife, my family, my training partners. It just means so much.”

Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati #65) started from pole in the SW-Motech Superbike races and was joined on the front row by Jones and Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Honda #20). There was plenty of action across the other ASBK classes on the Saturday, including Kawasaki Supersport, where Archie McDonald (#69) earned pole with two-time British Superbike champion and Stop and Seal Yamaha teammate Kyle Ryde (#666) alongside him.

Races also began in the Race and Road Supersport 300, ShopYamaha R3 Cup, BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup and Superbike Masters classes on Saturday, with a dominant Beau Beaton (#86) crowned early in the latter after a faultless campaign.

SW-MOTECH SUPERBIKE

The equation was simple for the SW-Motech Superbike battle to move into a live Sunday rubber: Jones had to secure his fourth pole position at The Bend. He was seemingly on track for exactly just that until the last three minutes of qualifying when Halliday produced a searing 1:50.028 – under the current lap record and only just adrift of the best-ever lap – to become the ultimate spoiler.

Jones didn’t have time to muster a counter-offensive, much to the delight of a jubilant Waters. It was Halliday’s fourth pole in Superbike, and his first since 2023, as he got to grips with his new Ducati after a mid-year switch from Yamaha. “It’s taken a little bit to get used to the Ducati after being on a Yamaha for years,” said Halliday. “It’s been about changing habits and riding the Ducati a whole different way, but it’s finally paid off at a very good time.”

Meanwhile, Nahlous was a revelation in only his second ASBK meeting on the Honda, with the Sydneysider returning to a happy hunting ground after winning the Supersport title at The Bend in 2024. Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati #11), Waters and Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha #3) lined up on row two, followed by Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team #17), Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha #13) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha #27).

KAWASAKI SUPERSPORT AND SUPERSPORT NEXT GEN

McDonald’s sixth pole position in Kawasaki Supersport came without too much fuss, which included a new Supersport best lap of 1:54.271. Ryde was next, followed by BCperformance Kawasaki duo Olly Simpson (#5) and Hayden Nelson (#279), Will Nassif (Omega Yamaha #65), Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha #49) and Tom Edwards (TeamBWR Yamaha #71).

Championship leader Jack Mahaffy (Stop and Seal Yamaha #37) put himself in the danger zone, starting from the third row of the grid as he defended a 23pt buffer over the in-form McDonald. Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati #7) was the fastest Supersport Next Gen rider – and, in fact, the fastest on track by a wafer-thin 0.001 seconds over McDonald.

RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300

Races got underway in both Race and Road Supersport 300 and the ShopYamaha R3 Cup, with Nikolas Lazos (Yamaha #11) and Hudson Thompson (Yamaha #41) the respective victors. In Supersport 300, Lazos’ path to a maiden victory opened up after Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki #42) crashed out while holding a healthy lead. Lazos grasped the golden opportunity and won by 3.5 seconds ahead of polesitter and 2025 champion Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki #1), followed by Thompson, Tyler King (Kawasaki #128), Matthew Ritter (Yamaha #23) and Jordy Simpson (Yamaha #33).

While Nicholson has an insurmountable lead, the battle for second in the championship was still a tight battle between Jordy Simpson, Tara Morrison (Kawasaki #95), King and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha #66) with two races remaining. Jake Paige (Kawasaki) remained in second but was swallowed up by the pack as he wasn’t competing at The Bend. Thompson prevailed in a signature tight and tough R3 Cup scrum from Mitch Simpson, Lazos, Phoenix O’Brien (385 #85) and Jordy Simpson.

BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP

It was a nine-bike rolling scrum in the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup race one, with the riders separated by less than a second after the five-lapper.

Xavier Curmi (#82) scored maximum points from Ghage Plowman (#27), Connor Lewis (#77), Hunter Charlett (#73), Rossi McAdam (#61), Chaz Williams (#18), Thomas Cameron (#23), Krue Knight (#46) and Charlie Nichols (#22).

Lewis now led Williams by 6pts, while McAdam, Curmi and Charlett would likewise battle it out until the very end for third place in the official Australian Junior Road Race Championship.\

SUPERBIKE MASTERS

The same trifecta in both Superbike Masters races on Saturday, as Beau Beaton (Ducati), Ben Burke (Honda #60) and Michael Berti Mendez (Ducati #17) dominated. Beaton was on another level, setting a new lap record and wrapping up the series with one race to spare.

Sunday

Superstars Josh Waters and Mike Jones again rose to the occasion as the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) concluded at The Bend (SA) on Sunday, November 9.

After absorbing intense pressure from rookie revelation Jonathan Nahlous, newly minted SW-Motech Superbike champion Waters was victorious in race one on his McMartin Racing Ducati before Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) won the turf war in the season-ending battle.

The pair finished the day equal on points, but Jones was awarded the overall after his higher placing in race two. Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Honda) was third overall after his 2-2 scorecard. “The race two victory definitely put a smile on my face,” said Jones. “It’s been a tough weekend, but a special thanks to the Yamaha Racing Team for all its efforts not only at The Bend but all year long. I’m excited to be back with Yamaha in 2026 as we chase another ASBK championship.”

Between them, Waters and Jones won 15 of the 17 Superbike races in 2025, with Waters finishing the Superbike title on 381pts ahead of Jones on 331pts. Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) was third in the championship on 303pts, which included the veteran’s first Superbike race win at Phillip Island.

SW-Motech Superbike Race One

With the pressure meter dialled down and the passion meter dialled up, newly minted SW-Motech Superbike champion Waters powered to a start-to-finish victory. It was Waters’ 10th win of the season and his 43rd in Superbike. Waters’ only hiccup was a slight mistake on lap six, which allowed Nahlous and Jones to close back up on him, but the veteran was soon back into a steely rhythm to win by nearly half a second.

Nahlous was a brilliant second – his best rookie result – ahead of Jones, who ran wide at turn one on the last lap, which scuppered his chances of putting extra pressure on his rival. West was fourth from Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Ducati #14), Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha). Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) both went down, the latter shortly after setting a new lap record of 1:50.035.

Race One Results

1. Josh Waters
2. Jonathan Nahlous (+0.476)
3. Mike Jones (+1.093)
4. Anthony West (7.936)
5. Cameron Dunker (+12.532)

SW-Motech Superbike race two

It was Jones at his metronomic best, moving into the lead on lap three and then controlling proceedings from the front to win his fifth race of the season. Including his two podiums today, Jones now has eight top-three finishes in the last 12 Superbike races at The Bend. The race was held over a shortened nine laps after the first attempt was red-flagged due to an oil spill at turn 17, and in the restart, Nahlous got the jump while Waters was well back after his worst start of the year.

Waters slowly began to move forward, but his advance would end at third place. West, Pearson and Dunker completed the top six from a fast-starting Stauffer and Allerton, while a bitterly disappointed Halliday didn’t make the restart after a mechanical issue.

Dunker finished fourth in the championship on 246pts from Allerton (241pts) and rookie of the year Nahlous (239pts).

The five-round 2026 ASBK Championship commences at Phillip Island from February 20-22, before transitioning into a summer calendar in 2027.

Race Two Results

1. Mike Jones
2. Jonathan Nahlous (+1.008)
3. Josh Waters (+1.640)
4. Anthony West (7.446)
5. Broc Pearson (+8.380)

Championship Points

1. Josh Waters – 381 Points
2. Mike Jones – 331 Points
3. Anthony West – 303 Points
4. Cameron Dunker – 246 Points
5. Glenn Allerton – 241 Points

Kawasaki Supersport

Victorian Jack Mahaffy is the 2025 Kawasaki Australian Supersport champion, keeping his powder dry in the final round at The Bend (SA) on November 9 to complete a magical season for the Stop and Seal Yamaha rider. Mahaffy curbed his normal competitive instincts with a 5-8 scorecard at the high-stakes grand finale, but it was more than enough to hold off teammate Archie McDonald (2-2) in the final championship standings.

Both races at The Bend were won by reigning two-time British Superbike champion Kyle Ryde, with the 28-year-old displaying his class on yet another Stop and Seal Yamaha. Mahaffy finished the seven-round season on 294pts, ahead of McDonald (282), Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki, 270), Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki, 206) and Tom Bramich (Yamaha, 194 #44).

As with most championship successes, the bedrock of Mahaffy’s campaign was extraordinary consistency, with the 24-year-old finishing on the podium in 12 of the 13 races before The Bend and with no DNFs – which then gave him the luxury of not having to push the envelope on the run home.“I’ve been thinking about the championship non-stop since the last round at One Raceway,” said Mahaffy. “I don’t think I’ve been pushed so hard in my life as I was this year, both on and off the track, so hats off to Archie and Olly. When Stop and Seal took me in two years ago, I was a very different rider and person. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we got the job done, and what they’ve (Stop and Seal bosses Claire and Robbie) done for the sport is incredible. Of course, if the championship wasn’t on the line today, I would have wanted my piece of the fun at the front. But I’m a true believer you ride to your circumstances, and if the championship was really on the line, then it would have been me and Archie battling.”

The first Supersport race at The Bend was a short and sharp five-lap affair after the first attempt was red-flagged following a crash at turn 17.

In the restart, Simpson, Ryde and Tom Toparis (riding in the Supersport Next Gen class on a Stop and Seal Ducati) all took turns at the front before Ryde reasserted his authority on the final lap – one where McDonald set a new record of 1:54.270 as he made a late charge. Toparis was second across the line from McDonald, Simpson, Nelson and Mahaffy.

Race two was over the full nine-lap distance, and it was a cracker, with the lap record lowered on multiple occasions (now owned by McDonald with 1:53.724) and the major combatants pushing hard for the final time in 2025. Ryde led most of the second half before McDonald passed the BSB star under brakes on the final lap. However, McDonald went in a little too hot, which allowed Ryde to regain the ascendancy.

The pair broke from the pack with their late speed, while Toparis was third from Simpson, Nelson, Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha), Will Nassif (Omega Racing Yamaha), race one faller Tom Edwards (TeamBWR Yamaha) and Mahaffy.

“The first couple of laps with Archie in the final race was a bit like racing against Tommy (Bridewell in BSB) in 2024 when we both had to win to take the championship,” said Ryde, who will now continue his trip Down Under on a golf pilgrimage. “A few of the moves were probably not acceptable, but it was more fun than anything! Race two had everything: a dogfight at the start, there were lap records broken and everyone got back safe. I’ve had a great weekend, and the track is fun to ride. I also love the R6: I ride one all the time to keep fit and to practice on, so I know it inside out. But that was my complete maximum: I couldn’t go faster than that!”

Round Results

1. Kyle Ryde – 50 Points
2. Archie McDonald – 41 Points
3. Olly Simpson – 36 Points
4. Hayden Nelson – 34 Points
5. Jake Farnsworth – 31 Points

Championship Points

1. Jack Mahaffy – 294 Points
2. Archie McDonald – 282 Points
3. Olly Simpson – 270 Points
4. Hayden Nelson – 206 Points
5. Tom Bramich – 194 Points

ShopYamaha R3 Cup

A second ASBK title was decided in South Australia, with Mitch Simpson winning the 2025 ShopYamaha R3 Cup.

Hudson Thompson, Valentino Knezovic (#48) and – fittingly – Simpson won the three races at The Bend, with the finale an almighty scrap as riders let it all hang out in the final battle of the season.

Simpson completed the four-round, 12-race season on 203pts from his younger brother Jordy Simpson (186), Thompson (171), Phoenix O’Brien (161), John Pelgrave (161 #43) and Nikolas Lazos (157) – the latter in title contention until he was injured in a Supersport 300 crash on Sunday morning.

Championship Points

1. Mitch Simpson – 203 Points
2. Jordy Simpson – 186 Points
3. Hudson Thompson – 175 Points
4. Phoenix O’Brien -161 Points
5. John Pelgrave – 157 Points

Race and Road Supersport 300

In Race and Road Supersport 300 – which had already been wrapped up by Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) at the previous round – it was a smaller program after Sunday’s race two was abandoned due to time constraints after a multi-bike crash on lap three. Nicholson (2-4) was the overall winner from Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki, 10-1) and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha, 6-2).

Nauta clearly had the most impressive pace all weekend, checking out in race one before a crash on lap six – with Lazos (Yamaha) taking full advantage to win his first Supersport 300 race in front of Nicholson and Thompson. In the shortened race three, Nauta was in a class of his own, while Mitch Simpson was second from Tyler King (Kawasaki).

Nicholson’s final championship margin was a resounding 103pts (378 to 275) over Jordy Simpson (Yamaha), and then King (263), Mitch Simpson (261), Jake Paige (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki, 260) and Tara Morrison (Kawasaki, 256).

Championship Points

1. Scott Nicholson – 378 Points
2. Jordy Simpson – 275 Points
3. Tyler King – 263 Points
4. Mitch Simpson – 261 Points
5. Jake Paige – 260 Points

BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup

As far as edge-of-the-seat thrillers go, it doesn’t get any better! The 2025 BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) concluded in dramatic circumstances at The Bend (SA) on Sunday, November 9, with the championship fight coming down to the final lap of the season between Connor Lewis and Chaz Williams. Both riders were in the leading pack a few corners from home in race three before Williams’ challenge evaporated when he was cannoned into by another machine which had gone down.

Lewis then finished third to turn around a 1pt deficit into a 17pt championship victory over Williams after one of the most thrilling seasons in the seven-year history of the OJC. Lewis finished on 324pts after six rounds, from Williams (307), Rossi McAdam (293), Xavier Curmi (277) and Hunter Charlett (274).

The final OJC round was held alongside the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul, with the expansive layout of The Bend delivering myriad slipstreaming opportunities for the YZF-R15 riders.

A strong wind on the weekend provided some challenges, though, but the racing was still typically tight and uncompromising, with a combined winning margin of 0.193 seconds over the three races. McAdam (5-2-1) was the overall winner from Curmi (1-5-4) and Lewis (3-3-3), with Ghage Plowman (second in race one) and polesitter Williams (victory in race two) also amongst it.

Lewis now joins an illustrious list of OJC winners, starting with Carter Thompson in 2019, followed by Marianos Nikolis (2020), Cameron Swain (2021), Harrison Watts (2022), Archie Schmidt (2023) and Hunter Corney (2024).

Championship Points

1. Connor Lewis – 324 Points
2. Chaz Williams – 307 Points
3. Rossi McAdam – 293 Points
4. Xavi Curmi – 277 Points
5. Hunter Charlett – 274 Points

Superbike Masters

Beau Beaton (Ducati 851) stormed to another clean sweep to remain undefeated throughout the season. His final tally was a perfect 250pts from Michael Berti Mendez (Ducati TT2 992, 173) and Phil Allen (Ducati 851, 153 #35).

At The Bend, Beaton, Ben Burke (Honda VRF750R) and Berti Mendez claimed the trifecta in all four five-lap races, with Beaton setting a new lap record of 1:58.457 to put the icing on the cake. Beaton also took home the P6 Formula 1300cc class honours, and the other class winners were Allen (P6 Formula 750cc), Berti Mendez (P5 F1) and Patrick Povolny (Suzuki GSX1100, P5 Unlimited #4).

Championship Points

1. Beau Beaton – 250 Points
2. Michael Berti Mendez – 173 Points
3. Phil Allen Ducati – 153 Points
4. Phillip Burke Honda – 143 Points
5. Ben Burke – 136 Points

All detailed ASBK Championship class results are here.

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Friday/Saturday

Still clinging to a faint hope of clinching the SW-Motech Superbike title from runaway leader Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati #1), the Queenslander displayed his customary dash – and even more – on the Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R1, obliterating his previous One Raceway qualifying mark to bank his 18th premier class pole position ahead of teen star Cameron Dunker (MotoGo Yamaha Racing Team #3). Waters would start from third on the grid for Sunday’s two 20-lap races.

Read our previous ASBK round reports here…

Under clear skies and with Friday’s fierce crosswinds gone, qualifying and race records tumbled at One Raceway across all the classes, including Kawasaki Supersport, where Archie McDonald (Stop and Seal Yamaha #69) reigned supreme as he continues to make a late lunge at championship success.

The opening races were also held in the Race and Road Supersport 300 and BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup classes on Saturday, complete with their usual level of jaw-dropping unpredictability and first-time winners in Riley Nauta (#42) and Ghage Plowman (#27).

SW-MOTECH SUPERBIKE

Jones and Dunker owned SW-Motech Superbike qualifying, with Dunker setting the early pace before Jones hit the front with a brilliant 58.420. “I treat every weekend the same, and that’s doing the best I can,” said Jones. “I’m feeling really comfortable on my bike, which is always great when that happens. I know the racing is going to be really close and tough on a track like this, but I’m ready for it.”

Dunker’s second place on the grid (58.707) was his best qualifying performance in two years of Superbike competition, while Waters (58.768) lurked in third after inching his way up the order during the last five minutes. As expected, Goulburn hometown hero Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team #17, 58.772) started to make his move after methodically chipping away on setup, and he lead the second row from 2024 race one winner Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati #11, 58.799) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha #13, 58.921), who’s locked in combat with Jones for second in the championship. The top eight was completed by Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati #65, 58.986) and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha #33, 59.040).

KAWASAKI SUPERSPORT AND SUPERSPORT NEXT GEN

Archie McDonald continued from where he left off on Friday, transferring his impeccable Kawasaki Supersport practice form into the qualifying arena on his Stop and Seal Yamaha YZF-R6.

After producing a masterful 1:00.138 in the first qualifying session – eclipsing his previous best lap by over 0.2 seconds – he used the second outing more for race simulation purposes in preparation for Sunday’s two 16-lappers. McDonald’s pole position, which included a $500 bonus cheque from Michelin, was his second in 2025 and his fifth in the last two seasons.

McDonald completed qualifying ahead of teammates Jack Mahaffy (Yamaha #37) and Tom Toparis (Ducati #7) aboard his Supersport Next Gen machine. Then it was the BCperformance Kawasakis of Hayden Nelson (#279) and Olly Simpson (#5) – the latter set to come under attack from McDonald for second in the championship, while Nelson will be looking to replicate his double podium from 2024.

Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha #49) started from the final spot on row two, with Tommy Edwards (Team BWR Yamaha #71), Marcus Hamod (Motocity Honda #13) and Will Nassif (Omega Racing Team Yamaha #65) on row three.

RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300

A Champions Ride Days Kawasaki quinella in Race and Supersport 300 race one, as a spritely Riley Nauta broke away from the main pack to score a runaway three-second victory over teammate – and fellow junior dirt track gun – Jake Paige (#55). It was Nauta’s first victory in the category.

Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha #48) was third, while Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki #39) inched closer to winning the championship at One Raceway with his seventh place. Polesitter Jai Russo (Yamaha #132) was fourth from Nikolas Lazos (Yamaha #11), Tyler King (Kawasaki #128), Nicholson and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha #66), with Nicholson also setting a new lap record of 1:05.710.

BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP

Another crackerjack contest between the Yamaha YZF-R15 brigade, as Ghage Plowman scored his first win in the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup, followed in quick succession by Rossi McAdam (#61) and championship leader Connor Lewis (#77).

The top 11 riders were separated by 1.8 seconds, with Thomas Cameron (#23), Hunter Charlett (#73) and Xavier Curmi (#82) filling positions 3-6.

Sunday

A brilliant performance by Mike Jones at One Raceway has incredibly kept alive the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) until the final round in November.

The Queenslander was at his silky-smooth best on October 5 as he won both SW-Motech Superbike races – his 26th and 27th in the ASBK ranks – from pole position on his Yamaha Racing Team machine around the tight and twisty Goulburn circuit. Meanwhile, Jones’ heroics also coincided with the lowest scoring round of the season for championship leader Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati).

Waters posted a 5-5 scorecard, which allowed Jones to slash Waters’ lead to 50pts (338 to 288), down from 69pts at the start of the weekend. A maximum of 51pts are available at The Bend from November 7-9, so it’s clearly still Waters’ championship to lose.

However, Jones is remaining upbeat. “It’s been a really good feeling today, so special thanks to the Yamaha Racing Team for putting in such a big effort to give me a great motorbike,” said Jones. “It was really special to get two wins for them. I’ll just keep the championship alive and roll onto the next one and see how we go.”

At One Raceway, Jones defeated the mightily impressive 17-year-old Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha Racing Team) in both races after soaking up relentless pressure, while Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) shared the third places.

West remains third in the championship on 269pts, while Dunker (215pts) slingshotted into fourth past Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati #14, 213pts) and Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati, 212pts).

SW-Motech Superbike Race One

Dunker’s form at One Raceway in 2024 was top-shelf, and this year he took it to the next level as he led race one until lap eight before Jones – fully aware passing opportunities were at a premium – slipped past the teen after he ran slightly wide at turn two. Jones then put down the hammer for a few laps to weaken Dunker’s resolve, with the final winning margin just under 2.5 seconds.

Herfoss, whose return to his former home track began in measured fashion on Friday, flicked into combat mode when it really mattered, fending off the slow-starting West to finish third. Herfoss also set a new lap record of 58.776 to show he’s lost none of the spark that took him to three Superbike titles, the last in 2023. Waters was fifth, circulating near the front throughout but just unable to find a way past his main rivals.

The top 10 was completed by Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati), Pearson, Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha), Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Honda #20) and Allerton. Nahlous was riding a replacement machine after his first bike was badly damaged earlier in the weekend.

Race One Results

1. Mike Jones
2. Cameron Dunker (+2.492)
3. Troy Herfoss (+5.578)
4. Anthony West (5.637)
5. Josh Waters (5.760)

SW-Motech Superbike race two

Riders were greeted with slightly tougher conditions in the afternoon, including a higher track temperature and a stiff breeze – but no-one told Dunker, who broke Herfoss’ hours-old lap record to set a new benchmark of 58.626. That was on lap five as he tried to keep Jones in his orbit as both riders cleared away from the main pack in the shortened 10-lapper – the first attempt red-flagged after Favelle went down hard at turn four.

With the leaders firmly ensconced at the front, West slotted into third ahead of Herfoss, Waters and Halliday, and that’s how they remained for the balance of the race. Nahlous was seventh from Pearson, Allerton and John Lytras (Caboolture Yamaha #308).

Race Two Results

1. Mike Jones
2. Cameron Dunker (+0.117)
3. Anthony West (3.528)
4. Troy Herfoss (+4.819)
5. Josh Waters (4.906)

Championship Points

1. Josh Waters – 338 Points
2. Mike Jones – 288 Points
3. Anthony West – 269 Points
4. Cameron Dunker – 215 Points
5. Glenn Allerton – 213 Points

All detailed ASBK Championship class results are here.

Kawasaki Supersport

It was 2024 all over again at One Raceway, as Stop and Seal teammates Jack Mahaffy and Archie McDonald shared victories and second places in Kawasaki Supersport, with the latter winning overall courtesy of his bonus point for pole position on Saturday. Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki, 4-3) was third overall, which means the championship will go down to the wire at The Bend from November 7-9 with Mahaffy leading on 265pts from McDonald (241) and Simpson (234).

Meanwhile, the Supersport Next Gen class was again held in conjunction with Kawasaki Supersport, with Goulburn’s very own hard-charger Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) easily accounting for Luca Durning (DesmoSport Ducati #21) in both races as well as finishing 2-3 amongst all the runners.

In race one, an early bingle for Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki) – who would also go down (and remount) in race two in a dirty day for the 2024 One Raceway double podium finisher – brought out the red flag, and in the 15-lap restart, McDonald got the perfect jump from pole before the back end of his Yamaha skipped out a few corners later and he ran off the circuit, rejoining in 17th.

He immediately began carving his way back through the pack, with a new lap record of 1:00.155 on lap five an indication of his haste. McDonald’s early error opened the door for Mahaffy, and he seized his opportunity by hitting the lead and checking out, with Toparis second from McDonald, Tom Edwards (Team BWR Yamaha), Simpson, Marcus Hamod (Motocity Honda), Tom Bramich (Apex Yamaha #44) and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha).

Jake Farnsworth (Worth Race Developments Yamaha) and Will Nassif (Yamaha) were among the three DNFs after the former crashed and Nassif was caught up as collateral damage. Race two saw three leaders – Toparis (laps 1-5), Mahaffy (6-7) and McDonald (8-16) – as the trio made it an intra-team scrimmage. McDonald held out Mahaffy by 0.214 seconds in a tense final lap, with Toparis third from Simpson, Hamod, Edwards, Farnsworth and Bramich. Bramich (184pts) moved onto fourth in the standings at the expense of Nelson (172) at One Raceway, while Farnsworth (162) is sixth.

Round Results

1. Archie Mcdonald – 46 Points
2. Jack Mahaffy – 45 Points
3. Olly Simpson – 35 Points
4. Tom Edwards – 34 Points
5. Marcos Hamod – 33 Points

Championship Points

1. Jack Mahaffy – 265 Points
2. Archie Mcdonald – 241 Points
3. Olly Simpson – 234 Points
4. Tom Bramich – 184 Points
5. Hayden Nelson – 172 Points

Race and Road Supersport 300

Nicholson (Kawasaki) is the 2025 champion, building an insurmountable lead at One Raceway after his 7-4-4 finishes and a new lap record of 1:05.710. He now joins the likes of current Moto2 pilot Senna Agius and Dunker as recent Supersport 300 winners, in a season where his consistency has set him apart from the rest of the field: 13 podiums in 18 races, including five wins.

“The hard work behind the scenes to get here has been enormous, including Mum and Dad, who have supported me throughout my career and put in so much effort,” said an elated Nicholson, who’s also studying for a commerce degree. My partner and brothers also join me at all the race meetings, so everyone puts in a tonne of work.”

Nicholson (340pts) now heads to The Bend with the weight lifted off his shoulders. He’s ahead of Jake Paige (Kawasaki, 260pts), Jordy Simpson (Yamaha, 243pts), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki, 233pts) and Tyler King (Kawasaki, 228pts). Paige (2-1-1) was the overall winner at One Raceway ahead of teammate Riley Nauta (1-2-3) and Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha, 3-3-5), while Hudson Thompson (Yamaha #41) also finished on the podium with his second in race three.

Nauta’s victory in race one went against the normal Supersport 300 grain, with his margin over Paige a whopping 3.497 seconds. Normal service was then resumed in races two and three, with Page winning those by a combined 0.287 seconds.

Championship Points

1. Scott Nicholson – 340 Points
2. Jake Paige – 260 Points
3. Jordy Simpson – 243 Points
4. Tara Morrison – 233 Points
5. Tyler King – 228 Points

BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup

The 2025 BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) continued at One Raceway from October 3-5, with the compact nature of the Goulburn circuit perfectly suited to the fleet of diminutive Yamaha YZF-R15s. And that equated to crackerjack entertainment, with three different winners – Ghage Plowman, Rossi McAdam and Chaz Willliams (#18) – a new lap record and the normal wafer-thin margins right through the 17-rider field.

In terms of standings, Williams clawed back precious points on Connor Lewis, which means we’re set for a grandstand finish at The Bend from November 7-9 to see who will become the seventh OJC champion since 2019. After strong and biting winds on Friday made it hard work for the OJC field – and the rest of the ASBK paddock for that matter – the riders were greeted with more benign conditions on Saturday for qualifying and race one. Williams was on pole, but in the opener it was Plowman, who won his first OJC race ahead of McAdam and Lewis.

It was then McAdam’s turn to shine in the first race on Sunday from Thomas Cameron and Hunter Charlett, although it was Lewis who set a new lap record of 1:14.968 in what was the fastest of the three races. Williams, who was 8-5 until that point, then went up a notch in race three to defeat Lewis and trim the championship gap back to 3pts. Third was McAdam, who took the round honours ahead of Williams and Cameron.

Championship Points

1. Connor Lewis – 270 Points
2. Chaz Williams – 267 Points
3. Rossi McAdam – 232 Points
4. Hunter Charlett – 223 Points
5. Xavi Curmi – 219 Points

The post ASBK Round Seven 2025 Report | Jones clean sweeps One Raceway appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Saturday

Anthony West (#13) was the star of the show in qualifying for round six of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Phillip Island on September 6.

Check out the ASBK Round Five report here...

The Queenslander was a cut above in the premier SW-Motech Superbike class, powering to his maiden pole position in the ASBK Championship on the Addicted to Track Yamaha. The 44-year-old has been knocking on the door of pole position for quite some time, but in brilliant Phillip Island weather he finally reached the summit with a searing lap of 1:30.462 – the second best ever in the Superbike class. West was joined on the front row for Sunday’s two 11-lap races by Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati #1) and Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team #46), who both sit above him in the championship race after five of eight rounds.

Qualifying was also held across all the other ASBK classes on Saturday – Kawasaki Supersport, Race and Road Supersport 300 and the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup – as well as the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship making its first visit to Phillip Island. The Oceania Junior Cup riders also enjoyed their first race to bookend Saturday’s on-track activities, ahead of a massive 11-race schedule on Sunday.

SW-Motech Superbike

West’s trajectory has been on the up for some time, and today the former Moto2 winner’s stocks rose yet again. “I’m just so happy, and hats off to the Addicted to Track team,” said West. “We’ve been working hard towards getting the best out of the bike: we have a plan and we know what to do. All that experience is coming together really well.”

West was the only rider to circulate in the 1:30 bracket in qualifying, with Waters, Jones, Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati #11), Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati #65) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha #27) all in the 1:31s.

The top 10 was completed by Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha #33), the returning Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team #17), Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Yamaha #20) and Ty Lynch (Yamaha #85). Meanwhile, Cameron Dunker (MotoGo Yamaha #3) didn’t take part in qualifying after mechanical woes in practice, with his team then forced to race against the clock to get him on the grid.

It was also a hapless day for Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati #14), who didn’t go out because of a physical ailment.

Kawasaki Supersport

There’s breaking records and then there’s breaking records. Albury’s Archie McDonald (#69) was simply sensational in Kawasaki Supersport qualifying, setting a new best lap of 1:33.808 on his Stop and Seal Yamaha YZF-R6, nearly one second under the current lap record (1:34.682) and well over a second ahead of the previous qualifying marker. McDonald has now been in pole position in all four ASBK rounds he has competed in this season. Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha #49) and Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki #279) were second and third among the 17 Supersport riders, ahead of Tom Bramich (Yamaha #44), Mahaffy (#37) and Oli Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki #5). Mahaffy laboured in practice and qualifying with a bent frame, which was replaced overnight. Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati #7) was the fastest of the Supersport Next Gen riders despite a bingle at turn six in the second qualifying session.

Race and Road Supersport 300

Pressure Ghage! A stunning pole position for Ghage Plowman (Yamaha #27) in his Race and Road Supersport 300 ASBK debut, with Oliver Short (Kawasaki #7) and Jordy Simpson (Yamaha #33) second and third. Championship leader Scott Nicholson (#39) qualified in sixth, three spots ahead of his closest pursuer – fellow Kawasaki rider Tara Morrison (#95). The times were typically tight, though, which augers well for three crackerjack races on Sunday.

BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup

A race for the ages, with the top 20 OJC riders flashing across the finish line separated by just 1.648 seconds! Xavier Curmi (#82) came out of the rolling scrum first ahead of Chaz Williams (#18) and Rossi McAdam (#61).

Sunday

Veterans Josh Waters and Anthony West were the stars of a challenging round six of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Phillip Island on September 7. Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) and West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) shared victories in the two 11-lap races, the first one held on a wet circuit before conditions cleared in the afternoon as West broke through for his first win in the SW-Motech Superbike class – one day after also setting his maiden pole position.

Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) was also mightily impressive at Phillip Island, with his 2-3 scorecard securing third overall. With Waters’ main championship rival Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) unable to produce his normal front-running deeds, Waters has now extended his lead in the championship to 69pts (306 to 237) with two rounds remaining. West (234pts) is circling in third position ahead of round seven at One Raceway in Goulburn in two weeks – October 3-5.

“That was a wild day, and in race two a lot of the other riders had nothing to lose, while I have a lot on my mind in terms of the championship,” said Waters. “I was getting carved up like a Sunday roast, but I was happy with the result, and I’d like to thank my team and all of our sponsors for their support.”

Meanwhile, it was all about pure adulation for West. “I don’t remember too much about race two, as there was just so much going on,” he said. “But some of the young guys were making me angry, which really fired me up to get the job done. This weekend has been awesome on so many levels.”

SW-Motech Superbike Race One

It was a just-in-time final salvo from Waters, who won his ninth SW-Motech Superbike race of an extraordinarily impressive season after passing long-time leader Pearson on the final blast down Gardner Straight. The final margin was 0.094 seconds after 11 laps on the sodden Phillip Island layout.

“I had so many moments in that race – I would have liked Broc to have slowed down!” said Waters. Glenn Allerton – grimacing with an injured back which saw him sit out qualifying – was a brilliant third on his Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati after starting from the back of the grid.

West was fourth from Jones, Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Yamaha), Oscar O’Donovan, (Scott’s Motorcycles Kawasaki #171) in a stunning ASBK debut, and Ryan Yanko (Addicted to Track Yamaha #82).

Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team) didn’t make the start after a crash on his out lap – suffering a minor injury, which was enough to end his day before it really got started – while others to get caught out in the slick conditions included Max Stauffer (Yamaha), Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha), Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) and Ty Lynch (Yamaha).

Race One Results

1. Josh Waters
2. Broc Pearson (+0.094)
3. Glenn Allerton (29.703)
4. Anthony West (36.870)
5. Mike Jones (+41.620)

SW-Motech Superbike race two

Race two was held on a drying track, with all riders fitting slick tyres – which made for a cautious opening before the intensity was dialled up as more dry lines appeared. The race eventually boiled down to a five-rider arm wrestle between West, Waters, Pearson, Nahlous and Halliday, with Pearson spending most time at the front.

However, on the penultimate lap, West made a decisive move to hit the lead, and then pinned his ears back over the final 4.448 km to win his first Superbike race in his 61st start. Meanwhile, Waters roared past Pearson at the death knell for the second time in as many races, with the duo finishing second and third ahead of Halliday, Nahlous, Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha), Jones, Cameron Dunker (MotoGo Yamaha), Stauffer and Allerton. Allerton (190pts) remains fourth in the standings but now has the in-form Pearson (185pts) on his hammer. Dunker is on 175pts.

Race Two Results

1. Anthony West
2. Josh Waters (+0.262)
3. Broc Pearson (+0.263)
4. Cru Halliday (+1.141)
5. Jonathan Nahlous (+1.213)

Championship Points

1. Josh Waters – 306 Points
2. Mike Jones – 237 Points
3. Anthony West – 234 Points
4. Glenn Allerton – 190 Points
5. Broc Pearson – 185 Points

Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen

There was a massive power shift in Kawasaki Supersport from Saturday to Sunday. After Archie McDonald’s sensational record-breaking performance in qualifying on the Stop and Seal Yamaha – and bike geometry woes for teammate and championship leader Jack Mahaffy – the prevailing view was “how far” for the Albury dasher in Sunday’s two 10-lap races.

But Mother Nature doesn’t always follow the script, with the first spots of rain appearing at the start of race one with riders on slicks.

Front row starter Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) immediately sensed his opportunity, bolting from the start in an all-the-way triumph. It was his first victory in the category, and he was understandably elated: “I knew I had to get to the front and build into the race. It’s been so much hard work to get here, so this one’s special.”

Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki) was second ahead of Mahaffy and McDonald, who adopted a more cautious approach at the start before finding some late speed. Tom Bramich (Yamaha) and Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki) were fifth and sixth, while Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) was the first Supersport Next Gen rider ahead of Luca Durning (DesmoSport Ducati #21) – a feat he would replicate in race two.

The second outing saw riders on wet tyres on a drying track, making tyre management critical. Toparis and Simpson immediately settled into a nice rhythm, and were 1-2 across the finish line ahead of Nelson, Farnsworth, McDonald, Mahaffy and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha #66).

Simpson (199pts) is now second in the standings, moving past McDonald (195pts), while Mahaffy (220pts) still leads. Nelson (165pts), Bramich (155pts) and Farnsworth (147pts) fill positions 4-6.

Round Results

1. Olly Simpson – 45 Points
2. Jake Farnsworth – 43 Points
3. Hayden Nelson – 35 Points
4. Archie Mcdonald – 35 Points
5. Jack Mahaffy – 34 Points

Championship Points

1. Jack Mahaffy – 220 Points
2. Olly Simpson – 199 Points
3. Archie Mcdonald – 195 Points
4. Hayden Nelson – 165 Points
5. Tom Bramich – 155 Points

Race and Road Supersport 300

Three very different scenarios for the Race and Road Supersport 300 field, with race one held on a wet track, race two in drying conditions and race three on dry asphalt.

Through it all, championship leader Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) showed the most composure with a 2-1-3 scorecard to claim the overall from Tyler King (Kawasaki, 1-15-2 #128), Jordy Simpson (Yamaha, 4-9-5), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki, 3-DNF-1) and Phoenix O’Brien (Yamaha, 5-2-14 #85).

Meanwhile, surprise polesitter Ghage Plowman (Yamaha) elected to sit out the races, instead focussing on his BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup commitments.

Attrition was its highest in race one, with 17 riders going down – including Morrison and three others on the sighting lap. The first attempt at the race was red-flagged after Riley Nauta (Kawasaki #42) crashed at turn six and required medical assistance. He was okay, and returned for the balance of the program.

With an imposing lead of 67pts over Morrison (292 to 225), it’s now Nicholson’s championship to lose. Simpson (208pts), Jake Paige (Kawasaki, 190pts #55), King (190pts) and Hudson Thompson (Yamaha, 186pts #41) are next, with Simpson making the biggest inroads at Phillip Island – up from fifth to third.

Championship Points

1. Scott Nicholson – 292 Points
2. Tara Morrison – 225 Points
3. Jordy Simpson – 208 Points
4. Jake Paige – 190 Points
5. Tyler King – 190 Points

BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup

The 2025 BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) redefined the meaning of close racing when round four was held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on September 6-7.

It was mesmerising from start to finish, kicked off in spectacular fashion when 20 riders and their striking Yamaha YZF-R15s flashed across the line separated by just 1.648 seconds in race one. Xavier Curmi came out of the Saturday rolling scrum with the biggest smile before New Zealand wildcard Lucas Hyslop (#31) and Callum Campbell (#26) won the two races on Sunday. With slipstreaming a key battlefront at Phillip Island, it was nigh on impossible for riders to break free, which placed an extra premium on racecraft and again emphasised why the class is the perfect launching pad to begin circuit racing.

Campbell (11-2-1) and Curmi (1-5-7) finished on equal top-scoring points at Phillip Island, with the former awarded the overall courtesy of a higher finishing position in race three.

Hunter Charlett (4-6-2 #73) was third overall, which helped him move up from fifth to fourth in the championship on 176pts. At the front, Connor Lewis (222pts #77) is the new leader in the official Australian Junior Road Race Championship class over Chaz Williams (213pts) and Curmi (179pts).

The weekend started well for Williams – who had led the OJC standings from race one at Sydney Motorsport Park – when he was second in race one after starting from the front row of the grid, before he went down within sight of the finish line in race two. That saw Lewis take over the championship lead, which he extended to 9pts in race three when he finished third and Williams was sixth. But with two rounds and six races still remaining, the 2025 OJC battle is still exceptionally wide open.

The penultimate round will be held at One Raceway from October 3-5, alongside the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul.

Championship Points

1. Connor Lewis – 222 Points
2. Chaz Williams – 213 Points
3. Xavi Curmi – 179 Points
4. Hunter Charlett – 176 Points
5. Rossi McAdam – 169 Points

Meanwhile, expressions of interest are now open for riders aged between 11 and 16 to join the OJC grid in 2026. The OJC is officially part of the global Road to MotoGP program and supported by the FIM and FIM Oceania with dedicated coaching, rider training, media and PR development and a host of high-performance training programs.

All detailed ASBK Championship class results are here…

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