By 2026 Star Insure New Zealand Superbike Championship action, launched in thrilling style at a sun drenched Euromarque Motorsport Park.
Early Championship leader Alastair Hoogenboezem, Rogan Chandler (New Zealand SBK GP race winner), Luca Durning shared the big-bike victories with victorious margins all inside half a second.
Jake Lewis went unbeaten in the Supersport races, veteran racer, street circuits specialist Heath Botica obtained Bears F1 wins x2, whilst Hunter Charlett, Cemetery Circuit Races top five finisher Zak Fuller set respective new Supersport 150, Sportbike lap-records.
Reigning, three times SBK Champion, TT 2026 bound Mitch Rees was not competing, having taken the decision to take a step back from full-time NZ Championship racing.
The Whakatane rider will though be attending next week, Burt Munro Challenge affiliated events, the Southland Honda Track Day (4th February), the Bluff Hill Climb (5th February) and E Hayes & Sons sponsored Teretonga Sprint Races, which incorporate the next NZ SBK rounds (6th-8th February).
Photo credit: Michael Wincott
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
