Yamaha Motor Australia and MotoSchool have announced an expanded partnership through 2026, headlined by the introduction of a new YZF-R9 hire bike fleet and an exclusive Yamaha Customer Day, marking a major step forward for track-based rider experiences in Australia.
Building on the success of the 2025 program, the collaboration now delivers a fully integrated R-Experience platform, combining Yamaha machinery, performance parts and professional coaching into a unified national rider experience. Central to the program is MotoSchool’s all-new fleet of YZF-R9s, supported by Yamaha Genuine Accessories and race-proven components.
MotoSchool’s training environment will now fully integrate Yamalube oils and maintenance products, GYTR performance accessories, Akrapovic exhaust systems, and Dunlop tyres via Ficeda Accessories. Together, these elements create a premium accessible setup for riders looking to develop skills in a professional track environment.At the heart of the 2026 program is MotoSchool’s R-Experience, a structured, race-inspired immersion anchored by the new YZF-R9. Each bike is fitted with a GYTR Akrapovič titanium race exhaust system and prepared to professional standards. Riders can choose between Dunlop race slicks for advanced training or Dunlop treaded slick track day tyres for high-performance road-based track riding.
MotoSchool says the R-Experience is designed as a true brand engagement platform rather than a simple hire fleet, allowing participants to arrive, ride and immerse themselves in Yamaha’s next-generation supersport technology.An exclusive Yamaha Customer Day has also been confirmed for Sunday, March 29 at Sydney Motorsport Park’s Grand Prix Circuit. Open to all Yamaha road models and rider experience levels, the YamaFest event will offer customers their first public opportunity to hire a YZF-R9 and take part in the R-Experience.
“What we’ve built with MotoSchool goes far beyond a traditional partnership,” says Mathew Ferry, General Manager Sales & Marketing, Land Mobility at Yamaha Motor Australia.
“It’s a platform that brings riders closer to our brand, our technology, and our philosophy. Extending this partnership into 2026 and launching the YZF-R9 hire fleet and Yamaha Customer Day, allows us to offer something truly unique to our customers,” he adds. “What Yamaha Motor Australia has created through this partnership is something truly special,” says Haydan Parker, Managing Director and Founder of MotoSchool.”
“The best way I can describe it is that it felt like riding a big R3 with grunt. That same nimble, flickable feel, but with the torque-rich triple engine launching you out of corners with authority”…
“The Yamaha team has shown what’s possible when a manufacturer genuinely commits to riders through experience, education, and community. This partnership is a blueprint for how brands can invest in the future of motorcycling in a meaningful way.”
“Together, we’ve built a model that removes barriers and opens doors. An environment where world-class machinery and elite coaching are no longer reserved for the few. The 2026 program proves that when motorcycle distributors and rider development organisations work in true partnership, the result is not just better riders, but a stronger, more connected global motorcycle culture,” he continues.
“For the first time, riders can step straight into a race-inspired Yamaha environment, ride the new YZF-R9, train with elite coaches, and be part of a community that’s built around learning and passion. We aim to offer riders the chance to experience something completely new,” ends Parker.
More details on the R-Experience and YamaFest Customer Day will be announced shortly.
Feel the thunder this weekend at Sydney Dragway as the 2026 NSW Championship Series launches. Elite racers, fierce battles and non-stop action await. Grab your tickets now and be trackside for Round One excitement with friends, family and racing fans…
Get out to Sydney Dragway this weekend for the action and stay tuned to BikeReview.com.au and PitBoard.com.au as we follow the series throughout 2026. Don’t miss the opening round, and be sure to follow BikeReview.com.au and PitBoard.com.au throughout 2026 for race reports, photos, results and behind-the-scenes coverage from the NSW Championship Series.
Buy your tickets for Round One here… and view the Sydney Dragway 2026 calendar here…
ROUND 1 – 2026 NSW Championship Series
A new year. A new series. A fresh opportunity to be crowned champion. The 2026 NSW Championship Series roars into life at Sydney Dragway on Saturday, 7 February 2026, as Australia’s best Sportsman drag racers line up for the opening round of what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.
Spanning eight action-packed rounds, the NSW Championship is one of the most diverse and hotly contested drag racing series in the country, featuring everything from fire-breathing boosted machines to ultra-competitive street and junior categories. With championship points up for grabs from round one, every pass down the quarter mile counts.
Fans can expect full fields and close racing across an impressive range of brackets, including
Iconicote Boosted Outlaws Extreme Bike
Platinum Powder Coating Modified Eliminator
Micks Metal Roofing Top Sportsman
Go Logistics Super Sedan BikeReview.com.au Modified Bike
Powerplus Super Street
Speedflow Junior Dragster Speedflow Junior Drag Bike
Super Gas
Jetters HQ Street Fighter Heavy Duty Magazine Street Bike
Real Street
From rising stars eager to make their mark to proven champions defending their status, Round One will set the tone for the entire season. Expect tight racing, big performances and plenty of early championship drama as the road to glory officially begins at Sydney Dragway.
As proud sponsors of Sydney Dragway two-wheel racing for 22 years in 2026, Jeff and Heather Ware (JPMedia P/L – publishers of BikeReview and PitBoard, formerly Rapid Bikes Magazine) are excited to continue their long-standing partnership with the sport sponsoring Modified Bike again this year and look forward to bringing fans even more coverage from trackside this season.
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will return to Australian shores on February 20–22, 2026. Marking its 35th year on the WorldSBK calendar, the Phillip Island round remains one of the most anticipated events of the season for fans and riders alike. Photos: Brett Butler
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.
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.
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.
With Australians racing abroad in a range of disciplines, both on-track and off-road, Ed’s column focuses on how they’re battling it out with the best in their chosen classes. Ed updates us on Miller, Kelso, Rouldsone, Gardner, McDonald and Lawrence. Words: Ed Stratmann
On-Track Jack Miller – MotoGP
Retained by Yamaha for 2026, Jack Miller returned to the V4-powered M1 during the Valencia MotoGP Test following the season finale, as he and his fellow Yamaha riders face the seriously tough challenge of helping shape Yamaha’s V4 project.
First on track after a delayed start, Miller completed an important 51 laps and finished 20th. “It was a busy day. I did a lot of laps. I was shaking down the new bike and trying to understand it. Trying to make some headway in the development. We have got some work ahead of us, but I am not afraid of a little work,”he insisted.
One of the key learnings was the Australian ace identifying the electronics as an area needing attention. “Electronics still need a lot of work, as we still have to deal with the same problems as last year when I got on the M1 at this juncture, so the acceleration and progression,”he told GPOne.
“In terms of traction control, we are not in bad shape. It’s just the way it works. We have to find a way to get a better delivery and allow the bike to be fluid and not skate as soon as you go on the gas.”
He then resumed action on Wednesday for a private test with Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins and Toprak Razgatlioglu, which was also crucial to log some more data and extract some further insight for future reference.
“Today was about gaining experience on the bike. We have some clear issues we need to work on. Going into tomorrow, we have some items to try to fix the issues and give us as much speed back as possible before the break. The engineers will go away and try to come up with some solutions over winter and bring us some developments come Malaysia,”commented Miller.
While there’s still plenty of work to be done, the immensely experienced Miller’s feedback will continue to be vital in the bike’s development in their quest to enjoy a strong 2026 campaign.
Joel Kelso – Moto3
While Joel Kelso’s move to the MLav Racing Team was announced back in September, it’ll be fascinating to see how he fares following another largely positive season in Moto3, which saw him grab his best finish yet of sixth in the final championship standings.
Pic: Joel Kelso Racing.
“I can’t wait to get started and to deliver strong and consistent results. It’s a new challenge on the Honda, which I believe will be a great experience. I’m pleased to have my future secured for the next two years, and I’m looking forward to working hard with the team to build this project up,”stated Kelso.
“Having Joel on board is a major step forward for us. He brings proven speed, experience and the determination of a front runner eager to keep progressing at the highest level. His arrival underlines our long-term commitment to strengthening this project,”explained the team.
Pic: Joel Kelso Racing
Clinching 16 top 10 finishes and six top fives last term, it’s been terrific to see him already make a fast start to life in new colours, for he impressively set the fastest time on day two of testing in Jerez on his very first outing with the Honda. Now entering his fourth season in the lightweight class, riding for his fourth different team, Kelso boasts the potential to be a legit title contender in 2026, which will be another massive year for the gifted maestro.
Jacob Roulstone
After Red Bull Tech Moto chose not to renew his contract for 2026, Jacob Roulstone was on the hunt for a new ride. Fortunately, he’s found one, with the talented Aussie confirming he’ll race for Team Ciatti Boscoscuro in the 2026 FIM Moto2 European Championship within the FIM Junior GP World Championship framework.
Pic: Jacob Roulstone #12.
This transition represents an intriguing step, with him going from the 250cc lightweight bikes to the larger 765cc bikes. “The opportunity to progress to a Moto2 machine is one I am definitely ready for, and doing it in partnership with an experienced and professional team like Team Ciatti is fantastic,”said Roulstone.
“To finally be in a position to confirm my plans for next season brings a real sense of a new door opening, and that fuels my motivation. My focus during the off-season is to ensure I am 100 per cent ready to tackle the demands of this new championship.”
Pic: Motocity Wollongong
With a pre-season neck injury derailing Roulstone’s 2025 campaign and a late-season broken hand ending his hopes of keeping his Red Bull KTM Tech3 seat, this is an outstanding opportunity for the youngster. All his energy will now be channelled to preparation for this new chapter in the seven-round FIM Moto2 European Championship, which visits Catalunya, Estoril, Jerez, Magny-Cours, Aragon, Misano and Valencia.
Jacob has also signed to race ASBK Superbike on the Motocity Wollongong Honda CBR1000RR-R Superbike for 2026.
Jacob Roulstone“Excited for this new challenge. Huge thanks to Motocity and Honda Australia for giving me this opportunity. Can’t wait to get on the bike very soon.”
Marcus Hamod “Really happy to announce the move to superbikes full time next year with Motocity and the support from Honda Australia. Can’t wait to get started, can’t thank everyone involved enough for the opportunity.”
Remy Gardner – World Superbike
While injury prevented Remy Gardner from participating in the Jerez test due to a shoulder ailment sustained in a training incident, the Australian pilot is now fully locked in on recovering as soon as possible to start getting ready for 2026.
Finishing the crusade 11th in the standings, having banked a memorable podium in Assen and a host of top 10s, the former Moto2 World Champion, who signed a two-year contract extension with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team, will be looking for more in 2026. Excited at signing his new deal a few months back, the classy Gardner knows there’s huge scope for improvement.
“I am happy to be continuing with Yamaha in WorldSBK. Our journey together so far has been good, but I still feel that we are only scratching the surface of what we can achieve. We’ve shown that when everything comes together, we can be quick and fight for the podium. My target is to do this more consistently over the remainder of the 2025 season and look towards taking a further step in 2026,”he acknowledged.
Yamaha Motor Europe Racing Sporting Manager, Nicolo Canepa, then added: “Remy has become a valuable member of our line-up over the last few years, not just through his speed and potential, but also his ability to give detailed feedback, which proves useful to our engineers as we look to continue developing the R1 in WorldSBK. We have already seen he can fight for the podium, and the target is to be more consistent in this goal towards the end of this season and then build on this for next year.”
Archie McDonald – 2026 Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup
After two consecutive seasons balancing racing commitments across the ASBK Australian Superbike Championship and European competition, Joe Rascal Racing has announced Archie McDonald as its first rider signing for the 2026 Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.
Pic: Archie McDonald Racing
McDonald, 19, arrives with an impressive resume, having already claimed five Australian Flat Track Championship titles to accompany the aforementioned. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest rising talents, he embarks on this exciting adventure right as the team builds toward its 2026 campaign.
Pic: Dale Schmidtchen
The squad expects McDonald’s combination of pace and racecraft to translate well to the Bagger World Cup, with confidence high that he can be a regular front-runner. The championship gets underway at the Americas Grand Prix, with the opening round scheduled for March 27-29.
Off-Track Jett Lawrence – AMA Supercross
Jett Lawrence and HRC have confirmed that the Australian suffered a fractured right ankle/foot in a practice crash last Friday at the Dog Pound in Florida. Lawrence immediately underwent surgery to repair fractures to the talus and navicular bones and is expected to be sidelined for at least three months. The devastating injury ends his AMA Supercross title ambitions before the season begins, but he’s hoping to be back in time to defend his AMA Pro Motocross and SuperMotocross crowns.
The 22-year-old phenom, who owns 10 AMA championships, will now switch his focus to his recovery and getting back out there sooner rather than later.
“Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now,”Lawrence reflected.“The team and I put in so much work during the off-season to improve. I keep reminding myself that we have overcome challenges before, and this is no different. I’ll put the same focus into my recovery that I put into being the best athlete I can be each day. My goal is to get this ankle fully healed up and return as competitive as ever and make the 2026 season as successful as we can.”
Sydney Motorsport Park Ride Days Set for Biggest Year Yet in 2026 | Sydney Motorsport Park is gearing up for its biggest motorcycle track-day program yet, following a hugely successful 2025 season that welcomed thousands of riders from Australia and around the world.
Across 2025, a total of 30 Ride Days and six Ride Nights were run at Sydney Motorsport Park, attracting 4,518 riders. Participants came from all walks of life, nationalities and backgrounds, united by a shared passion for riding one of Australia’s premier motorsport venues.
Looking ahead to 2026, the calendar expands even further. A total of 31 regular Ride Days and 11 Ride Nights are planned, alongside a limited number of weekend and public holiday events, plus several special dates yet to be announced.
One of the standout features continuing into next year is the opportunity for riders to hire premium superbikes on every Ride Day, including the Ducati Panigale V4S and BMW S 1000 RR. For those wanting the ultimate on-track experience, the Full Factory Experience will also return, offering riders access to up-spec Ducati Panigale V4S and BMW S 1000 RR M Sport machines, complete with slick tyres, tyre warmers and personalised setup.
New for 2026 are brand-specific days, including BMW Motorrad Days and Ducati Experience events, where only motorcycles from that marque take to the circuit. Exclusive Full Factory Experience Days will also be introduced, limited to just 10 riders on track, with seven dedicated sessions per day.
Further details on these new experiences will be revealed in the new year, as Sydney Motorsport Park continues to elevate its motorcycle ride-day offering for 2026.
The first Australian to win a Grand Prix World Championship on two wheels or four is celebrated in this much-awaited biography written by renowned motorcycle racing historian Don Cox. Keith Campbell, Australia’s first Grand Prix World Champion by Don Cox
Keith Campbell, Australia’s First Grand Prix World Champion is a terrifically researched 95,000-word account of Campbell’s remarkable career featuring many previously unpublished photographs.
Campbell secured the 1957 World 350 Championship in his debut season with Moto Guzzi, finishing on the podium at the Isle of Man and taking consecutive victories in The Netherlands, Belgium and Northern Ireland. He was the first Australian to win multiple Grands Prix in a calendar year.
Campbell’s world title was the culmination of an eight-year journey from Melbourne teenager welding vacuum-cleaner bodies to finance his racing and solo trips to the famed Isle of Man that launched his career as a Continental Circus rookie at 22 and then successful private entrant.
A fair-minded man, Campbell stood up for proper payment for private riders at the 1955 Dutch TT. Along with other striking riders, he was suspended from racing for six months. Undeterred, he was back racing and winning in 1956, and then piloted Guzzi 350 singles, 500 singles and the fabulous Guzzi 500 V-eight as a factory rider.
Keith Campbell on the 500cc. V8 Moto-Guzzi.
Guzzi’s withdrawal from racing in September 1957 left Campbell without a works ride. He returned to the privateer ranks for 1958 with plans to head home to Melbourne and start a business in 1959. Campbell tragically died in a race accident at Cadours, France, in July 1958.
Purchase your signed copy for $50 plus shipping by emailing your details to krcampbellbook@gmail.com
“This is a truly remarkable biography of the racer, businessman and entrepreneur who became Australia’s first motorsport grand prix world champion,”Peter Donaldson said.
“Talent, bravery, speed, smarts and persistence. Australia’s first road-racing World Champion Keith Campbell used all of that to reach the pinnacle of success,”Jamie McIlwraith said. “The man behind the legendary Circus Life history of 1950s’ Aussie international motorcycle racers tells the inspiring yet tragic story of Campbell’s extraordinary career”.
Keith Campbell on a Manx Norton in 1958.
Keith Campbell, Australia’s first Grand Prix World Champion draws on interviews with Keith Campbell’s family, friends, rivals, team mates, helpers and travelling mates, reporters and spectators from the day.
The list of those whom helped contribute to the book includes Jack Ahearn, Keith Bryen, Rod Coleman, Geoff Duke, Keith’s brother George Campbell, key helpers Ron Day and Bob Edmonds, Eric Hinton, Bob Mitchell, Maurie Quincey, John Surtees and Vic Willoughby. Keith Campbell.
Aussies Racing Abroad | October 2025. With many Australians showcasing their skills abroad in a range of disciplines both on-track and off-road, Ed Stratmann’s column focuses on how they’re faring battling it out with the best in their chosen classes…
On-Track Jack Miller – MotoGP
Jack Miller endured a frustrating start to November in Portugal, salvaging just 14th in the Sprint after what had promised to be a competitive weekend. The Prima Pramac Yamaha ace had shown genuine pace in qualifying, progressing through Q1 with the second-fastest time to lock down eighth on the grid. But any hopes of a points finish evaporated almost immediately, as Miller haemorrhaged five positions on the opening lap and never recovered, ultimately bringing it home 14th.
Sunday’s Grand Prix offered little respite. Despite starting with renewed optimism, Miller found himself wrestling with severe grip issues throughout the race, eventually crossing the line a distant P12.
“Sunday went a little better than yesterday. I had a decent start and tried to challenge the guys ahead of me, but there were some areas where I was really struggling – especially on the exit of turns 14 and 15, and also through turn six. When the tyre started to drop, it just got harder and harder; the bike was pumping like hell, and I was just trying to do the best I could. So, not happy with the day,”Miller lamented.
Onto the finale, and after topping FP1 and running sixth in practice before qualifying P8, Miller’s weekend was looking promising. A rapid launch in the Sprint then put him in a tight battle with Fermín Aldeguer for eighth, but contact between the two on lap three derailed his charge. Miller was handed a three-position penalty which went unserved, leading to a long-lap penalty that dropped him to 12th.
In the main dance, Miller claimed a credible ninth. After spending much of the race in sixth and seventh with an attacking yet controlled ride, a late tyre drop forced him onto the defensive, which consequently cost him two positions to Luca Marini and Brad Binder.
“Over the season we‘ve been up and down – some good highlights and some decent lowlights too – but in the last couple of races, since Australia, we‘ve managed to understand the front end a bit more. Maybe we lost a little in terms of outright performance, but we gained good feedback in stability and in managing the tyre. Now I understand this bike more and more. Next year’s bike will be different, but the DNA is the same,”reflected the popular veteran.
Senna Agius – Moto2
Senna Agius began the weekend in fine form at Portimao by posting third in FP1 before backing it up with fifth in Friday afternoon’s practice session. While qualifying 13th represented a slight dip in fortunes, he remained optimistic about his race prospects.
Come Sunday, Agius demonstrated the pace that had served him well in practice, but a sluggish getaway off the line proved damaging. Although he recovered to bag ninth at the chequered flag, a result he was satisfied with given the circumstances, the young maestro knew a stronger launch could have yielded a considerably better finish.
“It wasn’t a bad race, even though I didn’t get off to the best start and the first lap didn’t go perfectly. That’s why I fell back a few positions. I also had a little trouble finding my speed at the start of the race, which is why I ended up losing a few positions. I think if I had been able to attack at the beginning, I would have made some really good progress, because I had good pace at the end of the race. In the last three laps, I overtook some good riders and made it into the top ten. So, let’s take the positives, because we have a strong race pace,”Agius explained.
Agius brought his campaign to a solid close with seventh in the season finale at Valencia. Having qualified an impressive third on the grid, the Australian ran inside the leading group for much of the distance. However, fading grip in the closing stages saw him slip back to eighth at the flag.
A post-race time penalty for Filip Salac ultimately promoted Agius to seventh, which was a solid way to draw the curtain on his campaign.
“Once again, a big thank you to Jürgen, Stefan and Wolfgang for giving me the opportunity to be here, because without them I wouldn’t have gotten this far. I really felt their support this year, and they believed in me during difficult moments. On the other hand, the good moments motivate us for the future. Now we’re going home and set for next year. I have a lot to do in the winter. Fortunately, that keeps me busy so I can come back in good shape in 2026. Finally, I would also like to thank everyone involved in this project for their work and help this year,”commented the gifted talent.
Joel Kelso – Moto3
Joel Kelso produced a masterclass in qualifying at Portimao, securing pole position with a composed and confident display that saw him top the timesheets with aplomb.
Starting from the prime grid slot on race day, he fought valiantly but found himself on the back foot as the laps ticked by. Mounting tyre wear in the latter stages hampered his charge, thus leaving him to settle for seventh.
“Took a gamble in yesterday’s race and tried my hardest to break away. Unfortunately the soft front just faded towards the end. Overall it was a super positive weekend, and we will leave it all on the line in Valencia next week,”posted Kelso.
Joel Kelso saw his crusade come to a premature and annoying end at Valencia, with him crashing out after qualifying 12th. It was far from the conclusion he’d hoped for. However, despite his disappointment, Kelso looked back with satisfaction on what had been his strongest season at this level to date, stating: “Not the way I wanted to end our final race of the year. A crash brought my progress to a halt quite early, but this year I’ve had my best season yet and was lucky to share it with the Level Up MTA team. We created some great memories together, and I wish them all the best for the future. Now we turn our eyes to 2026.”
Jacob Roulstone – Moto3
Jacob Roulstone was forced to sit out the penultimate round in Portugal after undergoing surgery on a fractured left hand sustained in Malaysia. The Australian’s focus quickly shifted to returning for the last stop on the calendar. And that he did, despite carrying that injury into his final outing with Tech3, as Roulstone put in a gutsy performance at Valencia. Starting 23rd on the grid, he wasted no time carving through the field, reaching 16th by lap three and climbing as high as 13th at the race’s midpoint.
The compromised hand inevitably took its toll as the laps wore on, and Roulstone gradually dropped back down the order. Nevertheless, he held on to cross the line 16th.
“Sunday’s race had to be the hardest of the season. Finishing P16, it was the only race this season where when finishing a race I wasn’t able to score points. I took some painkillers and held on for as long as I could. I managed to work my way up to P13 from P23 and battled till the end. But once they wore off, I struggled to keep going with only three fingers working the left bar and holding on.
Considering I still had pins in my hand on Wednesday, I didn’t think I’d be able to say that. It wasn’t the way I wanted to wrap up the season, but I’m proud I was able to put the helmet on and do the last race of the season. The team and I worked very hard these past days to get a comfortable and competitive feeling on the bike. Which I’m proud we were able to do. And I really want to thank the boys for those efforts,”insisted Roulstone.
Off-Track Jett Lawrence – Paris Supercross
Jett Lawrence certainly endured an eventful time of it at the 2025 Paris Supercross. Night one was nothing short of a catastrophe, for he was taken out by Tom Vialle and then crashed in both Superpole and the third final to cap off a disastrous opening day. To his credit, the phenom responded emphatically on Sunday, as the #18 dominated proceedings with victories in two of the three races and a third in the other, ensuring he left the French capital on a decidedly high note.
Hunter Lawrence – Paris Supercross
Hunter Lawrence also had a wild ride at Paris Supercross, mixing the ups with the downs in dramatic fashion. Beginning with first place in Saturday’s Superpole before going 4-2 in the opening two motos, things were looking promising for the #96. But a nasty spill in the whoops derailed his evening and threatened to rule him out for the rest of the event. Thankfully, the banged-up star was able to compete on Sunday, where he bravely fought through the pain to go 4-5-4, which was a gutsy showing given the circumstances.
“I’m happy I could ride today as well. I wasn’t sure how I’d be. Thankful to keep Eric [Peronnard] happy. Rule number one at these races, keep the promoters happy. Yeah, we were just, I mean, you’ve seen it, compared to yesterday,”he told RacerX.
“I could do enough, you know, get out there and still get some good practice laps in, and no, it was good. I take the riding from yesterday, Superpole, even the motos and how I was riding up until the crash. The crash was just one of those things. The whoops were abnormally large this year, and, just going into them, had a bit of a bad run out of the corner – the rut kind of caved in – and then trying to drive through the first three, and I think on like the fourth one, my front wheel just missed the tip of it. And as I’ve gone to extend, like, commit to putting it on the next one, as you do, the rear wheel spun as I’ve pretty much pushed all my chips in on that one to get traction. So, yeah, it was pretty scary.”
Luke Clout – Paris Supercross
Luke Clout delivered a brilliant performance at the 2025 Paris Supercross to clinch second in SX2 after a weekend in which he came so close to reigning supreme.
The Australian was nothing short of excellent across the two nights, reeling off an impressive string of 2-1-1-1 finishes in the opening four motos to establish himself as the man to beat. His speed and consistency had him firmly in control of the overall classification heading into the final day.
Read our October Aussies Racing Abroad column here…
Heartbreak struck in the penultimate moto, though, when Clout was caught up in a first-turn incident beyond his control, thus seeing him limp home 13th to watch his title hopes slip through his fingers. The experienced Aussie bounced back strikingly to win the final race, but the damage had been done. Even though he missed out on the overall triumph by a narrow margin, Clout could hold his head high after a tremendous display.
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).
MotoGP Round 22 | Marco Bezzecchi reigns supreme while 2025’s bronze medallist and Trackhouse’s Fernandez handed Aprilia a historic end to the campaign as Diggia battled past Acosta for P3. It was action aplenty for the final round of the year and it was a cracker! Report: Ed Stratmann/MotoGP
Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying MotoGP
The rider to beat on MotoGP’s final Friday of the season? Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #37). The KTM star set a 1:29.240 to beat Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing #72) by just 0.053s at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, as Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team #21) earned P3 in what was a very competitive opening day of action at the Motul Grand Prix of the Valencian Community.
Less than a tenth split the top five in qualifying? Go on then! That’s exactly what we were served in the final pole position battle of the season, and it was a fight that was won by Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) as the fastest quintet all set times that were under the previous lap record. The Italian’s 1:28.809 was 0.026s quicker than Alex Marquez’s (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #73) effort and 0.044s better than Fabio Di Giannantonio’s (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team #49) personal best.
Moto2
There was an early slice of drama in the Moto2 title-deciding weekend. Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team #10) was forced to battle it out in Q1 on Saturday afternoon at the Grand Prix of Valencia after finishing Friday’s Practice session in P19, while title rival Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #18) sailed into Q2 with a P10 result on Day 1. Meanwhile, despite a late tumble, Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team #27) led the way with a 1:32.408, with Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team #96) and Daniel Muñoz (Red Bull KTM Ajo #17) completing the top three.
A fourth pole of the season for Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) made it another record-breaking Moto2 qualifying session in Valencia. World Championship leader Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) qualified in P9 for the finale, with title rival Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) starting from P5 as he gunned for victory on Sunday.
Moto3
Under sunny skies at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, David Almansa (Leopard Racing #22) was lightning quick on Friday to secure top spot and a pathway to Q2. He set fastest lap after fastest lap to shave almost a second off the old lap record. The Spaniard sported a margin of over three tenths of a second and went into Saturday as the rider to beat, as teammate Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing #31) and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3 #73) completed the top three.
Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) clinched pole position for the Moto3™ Grand Prix of Valencia on Saturday afternoon with a mega lap of 1 ‘36.990s, enough to finish ahead of the opposition. Behind, teammate David Almansa (Leopard Racing) made it a Honda 1-2, whilst Maximo Quiles’ (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team #28) went from P3.
Saturday Tissot Sprint
Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) capped the final Tissot Sprint of 2025 with a commanding victory, making it back-to-back Sprint wins and his third of the season. The #73 controlled the race from the start, finishing ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who charged forward from the second row, while Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) secured third after a late fight with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team #25).
Launching perfectly from P2, Marquez grabbed the holeshot ahead of polesitter Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing). Acosta made a lightning start of his own, jumping from fifth to second by Turn 2. Bezzecchi, however, endured a nightmare opening lap, slipping to sixth behind Fernandez, Di Giannantonio and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP #20).
Early drama struck Honda on Lap 2 when Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol #36) crashed at Turn 2, collecting teammate Luca Marini and ending both riders’ Sprints. Mir was handed a Long Lap penalty for the GP. A lap later in the same corner, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP #43) and Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #54) made contact, forcing Aldeguer wide. Miller was ordered to drop three positions but did not serve the penalty, leading to a Long Lap Penalty that derailed his points push.
Bezzecchi eventually cleared Quartararo for fifth, though the gap to Fernandez and Di Giannantonio ahead exceeded a second. At the front, Marquez stretched his lead to 1.4s by mid-distance, managing the pace calmly as Acosta searched for his first MotoGP win while also defending from those behind. Further back, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) passed Quartararo as the Yamaha rider faded.
The fight for third intensified late as Di Giannantonio and Fernandez traded positions from Turn 4 to Turn 6 on the penultimate lap. Their battling allowed Bezzecchi to close in, but he ran out of time to join the podium fight.
Marquez sealed the win ahead of Acosta, who claimed his fourth consecutive Sprint podium. The result, coupled with Francesco Bagnaia’s (Ducati Lenovo Team #63) P14, moved Acosta into fourth in the standings. Di Giannantonio completed the podium ahead of Fernandez, while Bezzecchi settled for fifth ahead of Sunday’s GP.
“Super happy to win today. During the weekend we suffered a bit more than normal, but today in the Sprint I say, ‘We need to win, we need to be there’. I attacked from the start. And I saw that I could put my rhythm and save a little bit of tyre in the beginning and then push at the end. We did it, and I controlled the gap in a very good way,”Marquez said.
Tissot Sprint Race Results
Alex Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati
Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM (+1.149s)
Fabio Di Giannantonio Pertamina VR46 Ducati (+2.637s)
Raul Fernandez Trackhouse Aprilia (+3.519s)
Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing (+3.727s)
Sunday MotoGP
Aprilia closed 2025 in style as Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) delivered a lights-to-flag victory in Valencia, securing back-to-back wins for the first time and leading teammate Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) for the manufacturer’s first 1-2 since 2023. Fernandez pushed hard to the line, finishing just 0.6s adrift, while Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) snatched third from Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) to extend Ducati’s run of 88 consecutive podiums into 2026.
Before lights out, drama struck as Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) collided with Aleix Espargaro (Honda HRC Test Team #41) while forming up on the grid, ending Morbidelli’s season with a fractured left hand. Once the race began, Bezzecchi launched cleanly and held the lead over Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), but chaos erupted at Turn 4 when Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR #5) lost control and forced Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) into the gravel. Bagnaia tipped off, ending his race and season, while Zarco was handed a Long Lap Penalty.
Fernandez quickly carved forward, passing Di Giannantonio and closing down Bezzecchi and Marquez with successive fastest laps. By Lap 11, he swept past Marquez for second, while Acosta and Di Giannantonio closed in behind as Marquez struggled for pace. The leading trio built a gap of more than two seconds, but Fernandez steadily chipped away at Bezzecchi’s advantage.
With 11 laps remaining, Acosta began pressuring Marquez and finally forced his way into third at Turn 4 on Lap 20. Di Giannantonio followed suit with an identical move a lap later, dropping Marquez to fifth. Up front, Bezzecchi’s lead hovered around half a second as Fernandez continued to push, bringing the gap down to 0.4s with three laps to go.
The final laps produced two fierce duels: Bezzecchi vs Fernandez for the win and Acosta vs Di Giannantonio for the final podium. Di Giannantonio struck first, overtaking Acosta at Turn 4 with two laps remaining. The KTM rider fought back, but the Italian held firm.
On the last lap, Bezzecchi maintained just enough margin to keep Fernandez at bay, securing Aprilia’s 1-2. Di Giannantonio completed the podium, finishing a strong Valencia double. Acosta took P4, confirming fourth overall in the standings. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) claimed P5 with a last-corner move on teammate Alex Marquez, who ended the day in P6.
“I was super motivated after yesterday because for different reasons, I wasn’t good enough to fight for the podium [in the Sprint], and I was a little bit angry with myself,”Bezzecchi explained. “I started in front and put my rhythm on, and I was feeling good and able to manage [the race] until the end. I was not [surprised] from Raul, I saw his pace yesterday, and I was hoping for a little bit less, but in the end, the last two laps, I was a bit afraid. I was managing through all the race, and it never got too scary. I was always in control, but then in the last two laps I started to think I was in a little bit of trouble with the rear [tyre] as Raul was coming.”
MotoGP Race Results
Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing
Raul Fernandez Trackhouse Aprilia (+0.686s)
Fabio Di Giannantonio Pertamina VR46 Ducati (+3.765s)
Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) is the 2025 Moto2™ World Champion, becoming Brazil’s first-ever Grand Prix world champion. A calm and calculated 10th place was all he needed, as his only remaining title rival, Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP), required a win but was forced to pit with a rear-tyre issue while running in the latter half of the top ten.
At the front, Izan Guevara (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 #28) claimed his maiden Moto2 victory in superb style, becoming the record 11th different winner of a wildly competitive season. Daniel Holgado (CFMoto Inde Aspar Team) pushed him all the way for P2, while Ivan Ortola (QJMotor – FRINSA – MSI #4) produced a brilliant charge to secure his first Moto2 podium in third.
Guevara grabbed the holeshot ahead of Holgado, Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2 #75) and Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #81), while Gonzalez settled into fifth and Moreira into ninth, elbows out and riding with the title in mind. Ortiz began climbing early, passing Gonzalez for fifth on Lap 5, then attacking Arenas for fourth on Lap 7 as Guevara and Holgado tried to edge clear.
Agius and Ortola briefly closed the gap on the leaders but soon fell into their own battle, allowing the front two to rebuild breathing room. Meanwhile, Gonzalez was feeling the pressure; a pair of wide moments underlined his struggle to maintain pace, and Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo #95) soon swept past him. Arenas and Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team #12) followed, dropping the #18 to eighth as Moreira remained a composed ninth, just behind the fading Spaniard.
With five laps to go, the championship pivoted dramatically. Gonzalez slowed, signalling a rear-end problem. Moreira slipped by him cleanly before the Spaniard dived into pit lane for a tyre change, effectively ending his title hopes despite rejoining. From that moment, the 2025 Moto2 World Championship belonged to Diogo Moreira.
Up front, the fight for victory went down to the wire. Holgado hounded Guevara throughout the final laps, but the #28 never cracked, defending perfectly in the final sector to secure his first Moto2 win. Holgado took P2 and Ortola completed a breakthrough rookie podium in P3.
Veijer finished fourth, while Salač crossed the line fifth before a tyre-pressure penalty dropped him down the order. Arenas inherited P5 in his final Moto2 race, Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) stormed to P6 and Agius faded to seventh ahead of Celestino Vietti (Sync SpeedRS Team #13). Tony Arbolino (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 #14) took P9, with the new World Champion Moreira classified 10th.
Manuel Gonzalez Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 257
Barry Baltus Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 232
Aron Canet Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 227
Jake Dixon Elf Marc VDS Racing – 224
Moto3
Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) finally became a Grand Prix winner at his 86th attempt, converting pole into victory in Valencia after leading much of the 20-lap finale. The Spaniard held off compatriot Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo #83) and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia #72), while sixth place secured P2 in the Championship for Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI #36).
Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) grabbed the holeshot into Turn 1, but Fernandez retook the lead immediately at Turn 2. David Almansa (Leopard Racing) briefly hit the front at the end of Lap 1, only to be pushed wide by his teammate at Turn 14 a lap later, dropping to P8 and leaving him with work to do. Fernandez resumed control ahead of Quiles, while Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse #58) carved through the early chaos to join the top three.
The pace was fierce, with the lead group of eight tightly packed. Almansa worked his way back to fourth by Lap 8 but was quickly shuffled down again as Furusato, Lunetta, Carpe and Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP #94) attacked. At the front, Fernandez remained calm, keeping Quiles close behind him.
Entering the second half, Fernandez tried to break the group with the fastest lap. Furusato moved into second ahead of Quiles and began chasing the leader, with Pini in fourth and Carpe fighting Lunetta a few bike lengths behind. Further back, Almansa found himself in a scrap with Piqueras and Marco Morelli (GRYD – MLav Racing #95) for seventh.
Despite several attempts to escape, Fernandez faced a five-rider battle heading into the final lap. Carpe and Quiles exchanged attacks through Turns 6–8, while Furusato shadowed Fernandez into the last corner. The #31 held firm, crossing the line first to claim a long-awaited maiden win.
Furusato finished second on the road but was penalised for exceeding track limits on the final lap, dropping him to third. Carpe inherited P2, matching his best result of the season, while a late double move from Carpe and Pini pushed Quiles down to P5 at the flag – enough to secure third in the final standings.
Guido Pini Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP (+0.674s)
Maximo Quiles CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team (+0.725s)
Moto3 Championship Points
Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo – 365
Angel Piqueras FRINSA – MT Helmets – 281
Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team – 274
Alvaro Carpe Red Bull KTM Ajo – 215
David Munoz Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 197
How Did the Aussies Do?
Having gone fastest in FP1 and sixth in practice before qualifying P8, Jack Miller’s weekend was shaping up nicely. After a strong launch in the Sprint, he ended up in a scrap with Fermín Aldeguer for eighth, with the pair making contact at Turn 2 on Lap 3 to scupper his bout. Miller received a three-position penalty but didn’t serve it and was instead given a long-lap sanction that dropped him to 12th.
In the GP, Miller brought it home in ninth. After running much of the race in sixth and seventh with an attacking but controlled ride, a late tyre drop forced him onto the defensive, costing him two positions to Luca Marini and Brad Binder. Senna Agius finished the season strong with P7 in the final race. After qualifying third, he battled near the top three but lost grip late in the race, crossing the line eighth before being promoted to seventh following a time penalty for Filip Salac.
Having qualified P12 for the finale, Joel Kelso (#66) frustratingly crashed out, ending his season on a sour note. While not the finish he wanted, he reflected positively on what was his best season yet at this level. Starting 23rd in his final race with Tech3, Jacob Roulstone (#12) quickly moved up, reaching 16th by Lap 3 and climbing as high as 13th mid-race. Battling an injured hand, he gradually fell back but finished strongly in 16th to end the season 16th in the standings.
Josh Waters started celebrations early at the final round of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul at The Bend (SA), wrapping up the Superbike title in Saturday qualifying. Report” Ed Stratmann/ASBK Media Photos: RbMotoLens
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 #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).
“I used to stand outside Shawn Giles’ garage and think, ‘Will I ever be like that’?,” said Waters
“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
Josh Waters
Jonathan Nahlous (+0.476)
Mike Jones (+1.093)
Anthony West (7.936)
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
Mike Jones
Jonathan Nahlous (+1.008)
Josh Waters (+1.640)
Anthony West (7.446)
Broc Pearson (+8.380)
Championship Points
Josh Waters – 381 Points
Mike Jones – 331 Points
Anthony West – 303 Points
Cameron Dunker – 246 Points
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
Kyle Ryde – 50 Points
Archie McDonald – 41 Points
Olly Simpson – 36 Points
Hayden Nelson – 34 Points
Jake Farnsworth – 31 Points
Championship Points
Jack Mahaffy – 294 Points
Archie McDonald – 282 Points
Olly Simpson – 270 Points
Hayden Nelson – 206 Points
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
Mitch Simpson – 203 Points
Jordy Simpson – 186 Points
Hudson Thompson – 175 Points
Phoenix O’Brien -161 Points
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
Scott Nicholson – 378 Points
Jordy Simpson – 275 Points
Tyler King – 263 Points
Mitch Simpson – 261 Points
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
Connor Lewis – 324 Points
Chaz Williams – 307 Points
Rossi McAdam – 293 Points
Xavi Curmi – 277 Points
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
Beau Beaton – 250 Points
Michael Berti Mendez – 173 Points
Phil Allen Ducati – 153 Points
Phillip Burke Honda – 143 Points
Ben Burke – 136 Points
All detailed ASBK Championship class results are here.
Building on the success of the 2025 program, the collaboration now delivers a fully integrated R-Experience platform, combining Yamaha machinery, performance parts and professional coaching into a unified national rider experience. Central to the program is MotoSchool’s all-new fleet of YZF-R9s, supported by Yamaha Genuine Accessories and race-proven components.
At the heart of the 2026 program is MotoSchool’s R-Experience, a structured, race-inspired immersion anchored by the new YZF-R9. Each bike is fitted with a GYTR Akrapovič titanium race exhaust system and prepared to professional standards. Riders can choose between Dunlop race slicks for advanced training or Dunlop treaded slick track day tyres for high-performance road-based track riding.
An exclusive Yamaha Customer Day has also been confirmed for Sunday, March 29 at Sydney Motorsport Park’s Grand Prix Circuit. Open to all Yamaha road models and rider experience levels, the YamaFest event will offer customers their first public opportunity to hire a YZF-R9 and take part in the R-Experience.
