The launch of the Star Insure TransTasman Challenge highlights the beginning of a bold new era for the New Zealand Superbike Championship.
Up to six Australian Superbike riders will be making the trip across the Tasman to compete in the final two rounds of 2025 NZSBK.
The opening two rounds will serve as qualifiers for Kiwi Team selection.
This year’s NZSBK schedule is February 7-8-9: Burt Munro Challenge, Teretonga, Invercargill; February 13-14-15: Levels, Timaru; March 7-8-9: MotoFest, Hampton Downs, Auckland; March 14-15-16: MotoMania, Taupo Motorsport Park, Taupo.
The recent confirmation of the four-round 2025 series – with plans afoot to lock these venues in for the next three years – has brought with it the prospect of heightened marketing, promotional and financial initiatives.
“The Star Insure TransTasman Challenge is a first step,” says Mike Marsden, who is promoting the Hampton Downs and Taupo rounds on behalf of the Tony Quinn Organisation, and taking on the promoter’s role for the Timaru round.
“Setting a three-year calendar delivers surety and gives everyone involved the opportunity to plan ahead and drive positive outcomes.
“It also helps us to ensure the viability and growth of the championship.”
“But critical to success is a strong series and a quality field of Superbikes at all rounds.”
Marsden sees the opening round of NZSBK, the Burt Munro Challenge, and the now well-established Hampton Downs’ MotoFest as cornerstone events of a long-term plan that has the Star Insure TransTasman Challenge as a unique drawcard.
“Tony Quinn is making this happen, giving fans and enthusiasts something to look forward to and hopefully helping us build a bigger grid of both Superbikes and ultimately other classes, too,” Marsden says.
“Tony is a big supporter of bikes and sees his investment in the TransTasman Challenge concept and building a MotoFest equivalent at Taupo, as his way of assisting to deliver sustainability for NZSBK.
“He is also behind my efforts to assist the Burt organisers and build a great Superbike event for Timaru.
“We built MotoFest six years ago and that is our blueprint for the Taupo and Timaru rounds.
“Star Insurance has been with us since then and thank you to the team at Whites who have introduced Bridgestone this year as a presenting partner.”
Professional promotion brings a bigger show, improves the fan experience, builds the profile of NZSBK and drives value for series and team sponsors, Marsden says.
Motorcycling New Zealand road-race commissioner Andy Skelton confirmed MNZ is working closely with Marsden to ensure the series is “foundationally strong”.
“Longevity plus strong relationships and funding is key to the sustainability and growth of the series,” Skelton says.
“As the series grows . . . we foresee some evolution of the series and its format as an exciting opportunity unfolds.”
Caption: The 2024 New Zealand Superbike title was decided in the last race whenAustralian Ant West (left) edged out Kiwi Mitch Rees (centre) in overallpoints. On the right is former New Zealand Superbike Champion Al Hoogenboezem.