Strong ASBK and international presence at private ...

ASBK 2026

A large cross-section of Australian street racing expertise, alongside a handful of internationals, took half in a personal two-day take a look at at Phillip Island on January 6–7, with the occasion organised by Moto3 Grand Prix rider Joel Kelso and three-time Australian Superbike Champion Wayne Maxwell.

The thought for the take a look at got here from Kelso, who was eager to get significant monitor time exterior the standard experience days and to open the chance as much as different riders and groups. The idea was nicely acquired, with robust attendance throughout a number of courses, and each Kelso and Maxwell are understood to be eager to repeat the format subsequent yr.

Circumstances throughout the 2 days have been markedly completely different. Tuesday supplied near-ideal climate, with cloudless skies, temperatures within the mid-20s and minimal wind.

Wednesday proved much more demanding, with ambient temperatures climbing into the excessive 30s by lunchtime and a strengthening northerly wind. Observe temperatures exceeded 65 levels Celsius, with grip laborious to seek out and several other groups encountering gasoline vapourisation points throughout the hottest a part of the day. Tyre points have been additionally prevalent, with some rear tyres dropping main chunks out of the sidewall.

One of many key storylines was the debut of Anthony West with the DesmoSport Ducati workforce. After three seasons aboard the Hooked on Observe Yamaha, the place he completed third within the 2025 ASBK Superbike Championship, West steps into 2026 because the lead rider for the Ben Henry-owned Ducati squad.

The 44-year-old focussed on understanding the character of the V4 machine, constantly working at 1m33s after which dropping to 1m32s, whereas experimenting with stability and front-end really feel.

West remained on monitor late into Wednesday afternoon, whilst others packed up, with the workforce trialling a softer front-end setup throughout his last outings. Charlie Hallam was current within the storage supporting this system, whereas workforce backer Deon Coote of Elite Roads monitored progress.

One other newcomer to the DesmoSport Ducati setup was Olly Simpson, sampling the Subsequent Gen Supersport Ducati V-twin for the primary time at Phillip Island. Sharing the storage was Oli Bayliss, who was eager to log laps after restricted testing alternatives of late. A water pump situation delayed Bayliss’ Ducati time till components arrived on day two, prompting him to make use of his time to assist Glen Richards shakedown a Subsequent Gen GSX-R750 he just lately constructed and now has up on the market.

Moto2 Grand Prix race winner Senna Agius was additionally a part of the take a look at and the quickest rider on monitor after dipping into the 31s. His working was curtailed on the afternoon of day one when mechanical points ended his take a look at early. Agius is not anticipated to contest this Friday’s St George Summer season Night time Sequence.

A notable new presence within the ASBK paddock was the Blue Marlin Swimming pools Racing Crew. Crew proprietor Josh Holmes has assembled a four-rider lineup throughout two courses, with Cam Dunker and Luke Jones main the Superbike effort. Dunker spent appreciable time on monitor over each days, reportedly circulating within the low 1m32s. The workforce can even area Jake Senior and Phoenix O’Brien within the 300 class this season.

The Irving Vincent mission continued its preparation for worldwide competitors, with Beau Beaton using the air-cooled Tremendous Hooligan machine he’ll marketing campaign in MotoAmerica this yr.  The main focus at Phillip Island was on refining the front-end really feel because the team prepares to take on Daytona.

ASBK 2025 Rookie of the 12 months Jonathon “JJ” Nahlous additionally took half, although mechanical points restricted his working on the second day. Regardless of the setback, Nahlous confirmed he managed to set a private finest across the Island.

Archie McDonald was circulating on some tasty Ducati fashions introduced alongside by his new workforce boss, James Tonna, as he retains his hand in forward of his Bagger World Cup campaign with Joe Rascal.

Present Victorian Superbike Champion Brendan Wilson was additionally logging laps, persevering with preparations for a full ASBK marketing campaign aboard the TT Bikes Yamaha R1.

Among the many youthful riders, Judd Plaisted made his Phillip Island debut forward of his Asia Talent Cup (now rebranded because the Moto4 Asia Cup) marketing campaign in 2026, working intently with Kelso to rise up to hurry on the quick, flowing circuit. Plaisted can even return to the FIM MotoMini Sequence this yr.

Becoming a member of Plaisted at Phillip Island this week was 11-year-old Archie Pope from New South Wales, who impressed within the FIM MiniGP collection final season and is ready to concentrate on that pathway in 2026.

Kelso’s personal using time was restricted after his bike expired early on day one, although he was capable of borrow a machine from the Blue Marlin Swimming pools workforce to get some laps in.

Maxwell, in the meantime, remained off the bike all through the take a look at, as an alternative offering teaching and steerage to a number of riders over the 2 days.

With robust participation, diversified circumstances and significant monitor time logged throughout all ranges, the Phillip Island take a look at served as a useful early-season hit-out forward for a lot of of ASBK’s heavy hitters.

Defending champ Josh Waters is not going to experience till the semi-official ASBK Take a look at that shall be held at Phillip Island on January 19-20.

Mike Jones and YRT can even have their first outing for 2026 at that take a look at. Whereas his signing is but to be formally introduced, Nahlous is anticipated to make his first outing in YRT colors on the P.I. take a look at later this month.

Glenn Allerton shall be on the P.I. take a look at with Superbike Advocates Racing and also will compete on this week’s St’ George Summer season Nights spherical at SMP.

Cease & Seal can even be in Sydney Friday evening with Cru Halliday, Tom Toparis and Ryan Yanko, and also will attend the Jan 19-20 take a look at at Phillip Island.

Addicted To Observe can even compete at SMP tonight and attend the Phillip Island take a look at later this month.

2026 ASBK Provisional Calendar