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)

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The moment came during the weekend’s Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, which attracted 20,216 spectators who enjoyed perfect autumn weather and thrilling endurance racing. The 2026 edition delivered close competition across the field, with the annual production-car enduro again proving why it has become one of Australia’s most popular grassroots motorsport events.

But for motorcycle fans, the real headline came when a group of riders rolled onto the closed circuit for two special 15-minute demonstration sessions – the first motorcycles to lap Mount Panorama Circuit in a group in 26 years. The sessions were kept under wraps until successful completion Sunday afternoon, used as testers for future planned motorcycle events.

Six riders were invited by Bathurst Regional Council to take part in the historic return: Australian Superbike and International legends Shawn Giles, Roy Leslie and Ken Watson – plus experienced current racer Keo Watson and ex-racers Steve Wood and motorcycling publisher Jeff Ware.

Shawn Giles, multiple Australian Superbike Champion, “I’ve been coming to Bathurst at Easter since I was a child, as my family owned a motorcycle shop. Being back in the pits brings back memories and riding today with Roy Leslie was fantastic. I was getting Déjà vu over the mountain from our 1994 TT battle! The Suzuki GSX-8R was the perfect bike here and I look forward to riding here more often, everything went smoothly and to plan, with safety paramount” …

Roy Leslie, Racing Legend, “This was a great experience and a lot of fun. The last time I rode here was in 1994 racing against Shawn. Today I felt at home on the Ducati almost immediately, and in the second session it all started to come back – I hopped off wishing I had another dozen laps!” …

Ken Watson, Racing Luminary, “A lot of effort behind the scenes has gone into making this happen and everyone involved deserves a big pat on the back as everything went well and, more importantly, safely. It was fantastic to ride here again, the last time for me was the TT in 2000, and riding Mt Panorama on the TZ750 was a thrill” …

Organised through a huge collaborative effort between the event promotors ARG (Australian Racing Group) Bathurst Regional Council, Bathurst Mayor Cr. Robert ‘Stumpy’ Taylor and Motorcycling Australia, the demonstration proved an immediate crowd favourite.

Cr. Robert ‘Stumpy’ Taylor, “Without the efforts of ARG and everyone involved, we would not have been able to make this historic moment happen. After the success of these demonstration laps, I will be meeting with MA and discussing future events and ideas for 2027 and beyond, it was fantastic to witness two wheels back on Mt Panorama” …

The bikes ran on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday morning, with excited fans, officials and car team members lining the fences around the famous circuit to witness the long-awaited return of two wheels to The Mountain.

Judging by the reception from spectators and organisers alike, the future for motorcycles in a non-competitive way at Mount Panorama Raceway suddenly looks very promising. Stay tuned for more news as plans for 2027 and beyond are announced by organisers and promotors.

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With less than a week to go, organisers are calling on riders and fans alike to head to Eastern Creek for an evening dedicated entirely to two wheels. Bike Night is designed for motorcycle enthusiasts who want to test their machines down the quarter-mile in a safe and controlled environment, while also enjoying the atmosphere of a packed dragway and the camaraderie of fellow riders.

Competitors are encouraged to secure their entry online ahead of the event to guarantee a spot on the strip, as limited entries will be available at the gate.

The night offers riders the chance to run their street or race bike down the drag strip, whether they are seasoned drag racers chasing quick times or first-timers keen to experience the thrill of launching off the start line under the famous “Christmas tree” lights. The event also welcomes spectators, making it an easy Friday night outing for anyone who enjoys motorcycles and motorsport.

Located on Ferrers Road in Eastern Creek, Sydney Dragway is a purpose-built quarter-mile drag racing facility that hosts a wide range of motorsport events throughout the year, including state championship racing and regular street-style race nights.

Event Schedule
Gates Open: 4:30pm
Scrutineering & Registration: 4:30pm – 8:30pm
Drag Racing: 6:00pm – 10:00pm

All patrons and competitors must enter via Competitor Entry (Gate A). For riders looking to unleash their bike down the strip or simply soak up the atmosphere, Bike Night promises an action-packed evening celebrating motorcycle performance and community.

Bike Night is proudly supported by Sydney Random Riders, Heavy Duty Magazine, Hawkesbury Motorcycles & Sy’s Harley Davidson

Tickets and competitor entries are available now, with organisers recommending early booking to avoid missing out on track time. Cost to run is $63.75. Full pricing and to book your ride, Click here.

Gear Requirements

Helmet: Approved Standard full-face helmet. For example: AS/NZS 1698 or AS/NZS 1698:2006; ECE R22-05; M2015 or M2020 minimum.

Jacket: Purpose-made motorcycle riding jacket. Leather or DriRider/Kevlar-style with all armour inserted. DriRider/Kevlar-style jackets need to have all armour inserted, this includes a back protector.

Pants: Full-length jeans or workwear style cargo pants minimum. Strongly recommend leathers or Kevlar. Track suit pants not permitted.

Gloves: Full leather gloves required. Material gloves not permitted.

Boots: Purpose-made riding boots or lace-up boots that fully cover the ankles. Elastic-sided boots, track shoes/runners not permitted.

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MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, the South Australian Government and the City of Adelaide announced today that the Australian Grand Prix will be hosted on a city centre circuit in Adelaide from 2027. The six‑year agreement begins next season and will see MotoGP race at the Adelaide Street Circuit until 2032 inclusive. This landmark event will be the first MotoGP Grand Prix to be held in a city‑centre location – with the uncompromised safety standards required in the modern era of the sport.

The circuit layout was unveiled in Adelaide on Thursday 19 February in front of national media by MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta and Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas. It was confirmed that the inaugural Australian GP in Adelaide will be held across three days in November 2027. The circuit will be approximately 4.195 km long with 18 corners winding through the city streets, enabling riders to reach speeds of more than 340 km/h.

The track design follows the blueprint of the famous Adelaide Street Circuit that hosted Formula 1 events between 1985 and 1995, with the significant adjustments required to ensure rider safety remains the number‑one priority. The city’s layout, culture and passion for major events make Adelaide the perfect home for a premium, festival‑style urban Grand Prix – providing a unique opportunity to elevate the fan experience to a new level.

MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer, Carlos Ezpeleta, said: “Bringing MotoGP to Adelaide marks a major milestone in the evolution of our championship. This city has a world‑class reputation for hosting major sporting events, and the opportunity to design a purpose‑built circuit in the city streets is something truly unique in our sport.

“From the very beginning, together with the FIM, we made sure that safety remained uncompromised – every element of the Adelaide Street Circuit has been engineered to meet the highest standards of modern MotoGP, ensuring riders can race at full intensity with complete confidence.

“Adelaide’s commitment to major events makes it the perfect home for MotoGP’s next chapter in Australia. We’re incredibly excited to showcase a new style of racing here and to create a true celebration of our sport that brings fans even closer to the action.

“This partnership represents bold ambition from both MotoGP and Australia – and we couldn’t be prouder to begin this journey together.”

The Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, added: “This is a major coup for South Australia and yet more evidence our state has real momentum. “We are now competing with the rest of the nation for the world’s best events – and winning. Hosting the world’s first MotoGP race on a street circuit will give Adelaide a truly unique offering that is sure to attract visitors from interstate and overseas.

“This is about so much more than a world‑class motorsport event – it’s about generating economic activity for our state, supporting jobs, and putting South Australia on the global stage.

“We back major events that deliver a strong economic return, and MotoGP does exactly that. MotoGP is growing globally at record pace – and Adelaide will now be a key part of that growth story.”

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WorldSBK testing at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit wrapped up with Nicolo Bulega setting the benchmark on a dominant Ducati showing. The Italian topped all four sessions, completing 138 laps of the 4.445km circuit, while the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati squad locked out the first four positions on the timesheets.

Read our WorldSBK content here…

Bulega’s fastest lap of 1’28.630 confirmed his status as the man to beat, with Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) six tenths behind. Bassani and Lowes proved competitive for bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, completing a combined 140 laps and showing strong pace ahead of the opening round.

Crashes marred the final day of testing, with Jake Dixon sidelined by a fractured left wrist after a Turn 11 fall. Stefano Manzi and Alvaro Bautista also crashed at Turn 2 and Turn 10 respectively, though Bautista still topped the mileage charts with 74 laps.

Get your tickets and find out the info for Phillip Island here…

Lorenzo Baldassarri’s return to Superbike impressed as the Team GoEleven rider ended the test third fastest, while Miguel Oliveira led the rookies in seventh place for ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

Nicolo Bulega – P1:

“I feel good with the bike. We tried something different during the second session but then returned to the previous setting. There’s still a lot of room to improve, and I want to take that step forward with my team ahead of the race weekend.”

Sam Lowes – P2:

“I had a really good day. We improved the bike this afternoon and I found a good rhythm after a longer run in the morning. The team has done a great job session by session, and I feel competitive heading into the weekend.”

Lorenzo Baldassarri – P3:

“It was another positive day. We focused on consistency with the race tyre and built a strong feeling with the bike. Testing results were a bit unexpected, but I feel ready for the first race weekend.”

Day 2 Combined Results:
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’28.630s
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.666s
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.698s
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.721s
Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.743s
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.945s

Testing now concluded, the paddock turns its focus to Round 1, with Bulega and Ducati looking ominously strong as the season opener approaches.

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Pre-season title favourite Nicolo Bulega wasted no time stamping his authority, topping both sessions for the Aruba.It Racing – Ducati squad. The Italian completed 72 laps and logged more than 30 tours under the 1m30s mark, underlining his strong pace aboard the new Ducati package. Only three other riders managed to dip beneath the 90-second barrier, with Axel Bassani emerging as Bulega’s closest challenger. The bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team rider ended the day just 0.291s adrift.It was a dramatic opening for Sam Lowes, who endured a technical issue in the morning followed by an afternoon crash. Despite the setbacks, the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team rider rallied strongly, setting his fastest lap late in the day during a six-lap stint to secure third overall.After limited dry running over the European winter, Xavi Vierge impressed as the fastest Yamaha rider, placing ninth aboard the Pata Maxus Yamaha machine. A morning crash failed to derail reigning Supersport World Champion Stefano Manzi, who finished just two-tenths behind Vierge as he continues adapting to life in the Superbike class with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.Rookie honours went to Jake Dixon, the former Moto2 rider ending the day tenth for Honda HRC, ahead of Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Manzi.The session wasn’t without incident, with eight crashes recorded during Superbike running. Among them was an early-afternoon fall for Alvaro Bautista at Turn 5. The double world champion and eight-time Phillip Island race winner still managed eighth fastest, almost a second off Bulega’s benchmark, and is expected to close the gap as testing continues.Speaking after topping Day One, Bulega said the focus was on mileage and understanding the new bike following disrupted winter testing. Despite the hot conditions costing a few tenths, he was encouraged by the base setup and remains confident of making further gains ahead of race weekend.

Day One Results (Top Six)
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) – 1’29.345
Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.291
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.562
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.576
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) +0.670
Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.914

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Fans and media attending the international racing weekend can see a broad selection of Kawasaki’s latest and most iconic motorcycles on static display, spanning hypersport, supersport and heritage-inspired road models.

At the heart of the exhibit will be Kawasaki’s performance machines, including the supercharged Ninja H2 and the high-performance Ninja ZX-10R, a model with deep links to WorldSBK racing and recent global updates reflecting its track-borne pedigree.

The Kawasaki lineup also features well-rounded sport and roadster models such as the Ninja ZX-6R, the retro-styled Z900RS SE, and the accessible middleweight Z500 SE, offering something for a wide range of riders and enthusiasts.

Complementing the Kawasaki machines, the display will also showcase several Bimota models, a marque closely associated with Kawasaki through shared engineering and racing ties. Among these are the striking Tesi H2 and its TERA variant, along with the KB4 and KB998 Rimini, the latter reflecting Bimota’s blend of Italian design and Kawasaki-derived performance.

The WorldSBK Australian Round is a highlight on the global racing calendar, bringing elite motorcycle racing to Phillip Island’s fast, flowing 4.445 km layout each summer. Kawasaki’s presence on paddock and display underscores the brand’s strong connection to performance culture in both competition and road-going motorcycles.

Kawasaki welcomes visitors to check out its full display throughout the WorldSBK weekend, with social media channels set to share event highlights and behind-the-scenes content. See you there!

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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 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.

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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.

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