Achieving commercial sustainability, growing New Zealand Superbike Championship fields and providing support for young riders are the main goals of a new three-year strategy, being developed for the New Zealand Superbike Series.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail,” newly appointed NZSBK series promoter Mike Marsden says.
“If we’re honest, the sport has been in decline for several years and it is now critical that some bold decisions are made in order to put NZSBK on a trajectory that will not only preserve the sport in the short term but deliver long-term sustainability.
“Like other forms of motorsport and sport in general, motorcycle racing in New Zealand has faced increasing financial pressures, and we’ve seen participation numbers fall across the board,” Marsden says.
“The first step is to get the finances in order and thankfully we have some great sponsors in Star Insurance and Bridgestone on board, along with Tony Quinn.
“They, along with other passionate supporters of the sport, are helping to formulate and financially support a bold three-year NZSBK strategy.”
The commitment to a four-round series for the next three years on corresponding dates and the introduction of the Star Insure TransTasman Challenge initiative, being trialled in 2025, form part of this strategy.
Moves are afoot to incentivise Superbike and Supersport 600 riders not currently racing in the series to join the series for the last two rounds in 2025 – MotoFest at Hampton Downs on March 8-9 and MotoMania at Taupo on March 15-16.
A plan to form a Rider Development Foundation, which will identify and support young talent, is also in motion.
Another bold move is the introduction of Bridgestone as the series’ official tyre from 2026.
The three-year deal will reduce costs for riders, provide a level of consistency and support the long-term commercial sustainability of the sport.
“The Bridgestone official tyre agreement will not only reduce costs for competitors but also provide vital support to a championship on the brink of disappearing,” Marsden says.
As part of the deal, riders can expect to pay less for tyres, while tyres for the Supersport 150cc class will be free.
Marsden says official tyres are a proven model in motorsports worldwide, offering financial stability for racing series and providing the resources for reinvestment into the sport.
This partnership with Bridgestone, through New Zealand distributor Whites Powersports Group, is a step towards ensuring the future of NZSBK and fostering the next generation of riders.
“The fundamental outcome for us is to assist in making road-racing in New Zealand cheaper and more accessible to the racing community,” Whites Powersports Group General Manager Adrian Cox says.
“We will also provide a consistent supply of stock to ensure a better service and experience for the NZSBK participants.”
Bridgestone representatives will attend all rounds from 2026, where extra tyres will be available for purchase.
Bridgestone will also sponsor a test day in 2025 where riders and teams can evaluate the new tyres.
Whites are setting up a system where sales and delivery will be a simple process, Cox says.
Motorcycling New Zealand Road-Race Commissioner Andy Skelton is backing and embracing this new era for NZSBK.
“The commission fully supports the move to a professional promoter,” Skelton says. “There is no doubt a new direction is required if the series is to survive.
“Long-term sustainability has to be the goal and a different approach is required to achieve that.
“The strategy proposed will provide a foundational platform that will ensure pathways for future Aaron Slights and Cormac Buchanans,” he says.
“It’s an exciting new phase and we urge all stakeholders to embrace and support the initiatives of the new promoter and the steering group he has established.”
World Superbike legend Aaron Slight has just one question regarding the new-look NZSBK: “Why has it taken so long? ”
“Professional promotion, commercial sustainability and rider talent pathways have been long overdue, ” Slight says.
“These new strategies are the boost New Zealand motorcycle racing needs.
“I am genuinely excited about this new era and hope I can be involved in encouraging young riders along the talent development pathway,” Slight says.
Marsden urges all involved in New Zealand road-racing to embrace the new three-year strategy.
“We need the support of everyone for this to work,” Marsden says. “Yes, this is a bold strategy. It has to be.
“Young riders with international ambitions need a healthy environment to develop their craft and aspire to emulate the feats of Kiwi legends such as Graeme Crosby, Aaron Slight and Simon Crafar – and rising star Cormac Buchanan.
“This is about preserving the breeding ground for future champions and providing continuity and a racing future for all riders,” Marsden says.
Caption: Kiwi racing legends Aaron Slight and Simon Crafar together at the 2024 Star Insure MotoFEST, both big supporters of that event and fully behind the development of the three year strategy to reinvigorate the sport.