Image: Foremost Media.

A bold new plan to introduce a summer series over the course of 2026 and 2027 has been unveiled by Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) organisers, featuring a shortened 2026 season ahead of a calendar that will span from next October through April 2027.

According to Motorcycling Australia (MA), the concept is designed to align further with international-based series, while also lending itself to incentivise fan engagement.

The five-round 2026 calendar will commence at Phillip Island on the traditional February 20-22 date alongside WorldSBK, before visiting Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27-28, The Bend on May 1-3, and Morgan Park on May 29-31.

Queensland Raceway will serve as the fifth and final round on June 26-28, before October 2026 commences what will be considered the 2027 calendar, spanning seven months and ending at The Bend in April. Locations for rounds one and four remain to be determined.

Of the specified venues outlined to date, The Bend will also host round two in November, followed by a visit to One Raceway in December. Phillip Island – again on WorldSBK weekend – will feature as round five, before Queensland Raceway takes round six in March.

“We now have the support of the manufacturers, industry, and our partners,” explained MA CEO Peter Doyle. “With the ASBK championship in a strong position, now looks to be the best time [to transition].

“ASBK racing in the summer months aims to bring more fans trackside, enjoying sunny weather and great racing – and with more eyes watching our TV broadcasts without competition from football codes and other sports.

“It also opens the opportunity for international riders to join ASBK in their off-season. It’s an exciting time for ASBK as we take these new steps. There will be a short 2026 championship while we make the change to summer, and we appreciate that this will be a busy period.”

A Teams championship is also set to be introduced across both the Superbike and Supersport categories, as well as ASBK, solely focusing on top three trophy presentations across each race, bringing an end to the overall podiums at each round.