By At the same as the Memorial Luca Salvadori, Supermoto event in Verona, Italy (24th-25th January), the legendary Australian Moto GP/World Superbikes race circuit Phillip Island, hosted the opening 2026 Pirelli Motul Victorian Road Racing Championship rounds.
Building the racing miles (also Summer Night Series competitor, previously reported on Road Racing News) before BSB testing, races, potentially international road races (no news as-yet regards Northwest 200, TT participation), Australia’s speediest NW200, TT exponent Josh Brookes was in action.
P1 within the opening Superbike category race, the Bringelly racer piloting DAO Racing Team liveried CBR 1000 RR Honda metal, took fifth in the second contest (Race Two winner was former GP Kawasaki rider Anthony West).
Vastly successful on both the roads and short circuits, 2017 Senior Classic TT winner, 2024 Senior TT runner-up, twice BSB Champion (2015 and 2020), a top eight WSB race finisher, in 2008 he finished the World Supersport Championship, third overall, just two points behind Jonathan Rea OBE (future six times World Superbike Champion).
If we fully recollect the 2008 WSS season, we find amongst the final classification standings behind already-mentioned Brookes, (permanent/wild-card riders) well-known names in road racing circles.
Denmark’s most recent TT exponent Robbin Harms, twice IRRC Supersport Champion Matthieu Lagrive (TT entrant in 2023), 2009 Senior, 2008 Supersport Race 1 TT victor, eight times Northwest 200 winner, 2006 and 2007 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix winner Steve Plater.
Plus, 2019 IRRC SBK experienced Czech rider Patrik Vostarek and late, great TT racer Karl ‘Bomber’ Harris.
Later this month, Phillip Island will host WSB, Australian Superbike season openers (20th-22nd February). For roads scene fans in the southern hemisphere, attentions turn towards the Burt Munro Challenge incorporated Star Insure NZ (New Zealand) Hill Climb Championships (Bluff Hill Climb – 5th February).
Words by Jan Vavra
