Domestic superbike stars to race for points during the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix weekend in October for the first time
The 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island is shaping up as an even bigger event, with the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Pirelli, set to join the on track action in a move that lifts the intensity across the entire weekend.
With ASBK on the verge of switching to a landmark summer calendar, the timing has opened the door for the domestic championship to kickstart its 2026 to 2027 season alongside the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 FIM Grand Prix World Championship classes at the famed Victorian circuit from 23 to 25 October 2026. Crucially, this is not an exhibition appearance, with official Australian Superbike Championship points on the line at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix for the first time, ensuring the racing will be fought with the full urgency of a season opener in a new era for ASBK.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld said the addition raises the stakes and highlights the strength of the local pipeline. “Adding in a points-scoring Australian Superbikes Championship round to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will add another layer of intensity and excitement, showcasing the depth of talent coming through the domestic ranks, including familiar faces such as Jacob Roulstone.”
That depth has been on full display at Phillip Island already this year. Round one of the 2026 Penrite ASBK Championship, presented by Pirelli was recently held at the circuit, delivering jaw dropping racing as a new wave of young guns including Harrison Voight, former Moto3 rider Jacob Roulstone, Cameron Dunker and Jonathan Nahlous took the fight directly to established front runners Josh Waters, two time Moto2 race winner Anthony West and Mike Jones.
The connection between Australian Superbike racing and the world stage has long been clear, and the nation’s Grand Prix greats such as Wayne Gardner, Kevin Magee, Mick Doohan, Daryl Beattie and Chris Vermeulen all cut their teeth in ASBK, where the level has traditionally been high and wins are hard earned. More recently, Australia’s current Grand Prix riders Jack Miller, Senna Agius and Joel Kelso have all competed in the ASBK Championship, using the domestic series as part of their pathway to world championship racing.
For Auld, the announcement also adds significance to what is expected to be a landmark event at a venue synonymous with MotoGP in this country. “This is an exciting announcement for the 2026 event, which we intend to make a fitting farewell to Phillip Island after being an incredible home for MotoGP in Australia for the last 30 years.”
Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle welcomed the move, linking it to the history of the event and the strength of the modern ASBK paddock. “I have fond memories of the very first Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989 and the thrilling Australian Superbike races, so it is brilliant news the ASBK Championship, which is at an extremely professional level these days, is headed to Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix with championship points on the line.”
Doyle expects the shift to a summer aligned calendar and the chance to start the season on the Grand Prix stage will bring out the best in every garage. “Teams and riders will leave no stone unturned to start the new summer ASBK calendar in the best possible fashion, and spectators are going to be amazed in just how fast ASBK Superbikes lap the Phillip Island circuit.” He also acknowledged the opportunity to present Australia’s top domestic talent to the biggest possible audience. “I’d like to thank the Australian Grand Prix Corporation for this opportunity to showcase Australia’s best riders under the international spotlight.”
Ticket updates for the 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix can be accessed by registering interest at www.motogp.com.au.
