New Zealand teenager Tyler King has etched his name into trans-Tasman motorcycling history, becoming the first Kiwi in 35 years to win an Australian Superbike Championship title.
New Zealand’s Tyler King #128 leads the Race & Road Supersport 300 field during the final round of the 2026 Australian SuperBike Championship, held at Queensland Raceway, Australia. Photo: RbMotoLens
The 19-year-old from Silverdale secured the 2026 Australian Supersport 300 Championship after a dramatic final round at Queensland Raceway, overcoming an eight-point deficit to claim the crown by eight points after a tense season-long battle with Queensland’s Riley Nauta.
King’s championship victory also delivered an immediate reward, earning a ride with leading Australian outfit Stop & Seal Racing in the 2027 Australian Superbike Championship. He will step up to the highly competitive Supersport NextGen 600 class alongside established riders Cru Halliday and Tom Toparis.
“It’s like checking the box,” said an elated King. “Crossing the finish line, I just thought, ‘I’ve done it.’ There was so much adrenaline. It was awesome.”
“It’s like checking the box. Crossing the finish line, I just thought, ‘I’ve done it.’ There was so much adrenaline. It was awesome.”
The title is a milestone for New Zealand motorcycle racing. The last Kiwi to win an Australian championship was Aaron Slight, who claimed the premier Superbike title in 1991 before embarking on his legendary World Superbike career.
King’s father, Shawn, said the result was the culmination of years of sacrifice from family, friends and supporters.
“We hoped Tyler would do enough to earn a ride with a top team, and that’s exactly what’s happened,” he said. “To become the first Kiwi champion in 35 years makes it even more special.”
After qualifying on pole position and battling through a pressure-filled weekend, King held his nerve in the deciding race to finish second, securing the championship despite changing weather and relentless tactical pressure from his title rival.
“It feels like everything Dad and Vicky sacrificed has paid off,” King said. “Having all the family there made it even more special. It couldn’t have been any better.”
The Australian SuperBike Champions for 2026, including Supersport 300 champion, New Zealand’s Tyler King (left) at Queensland Raceway, Australia. Photo: RbMotoLens
McLaren-Wood Impresses On ASBK SuperBike Debut
Cambridge rider Morgan McLaren-Wood delivered one of the standout performances of the Australian Superbike Championship finale, finishing 12th and 7th in his debut weekend aboard a Yamaha YZF-R1.
The 21-year-old wildcard had never ridden the superbike before joining MotoGo Yamaha Racing for the Queensland Raceway finale, making his results even more impressive.
After qualifying 14th, McLaren-Wood charged through the field in Sunday’s wet finale, climbing from the back of the grid to briefly run as high as third before a fogged visor and a late mistake dropped him to seventh.
“It was a huge confidence boost,” said McLaren-Wood. “I’m glad I showed what I can achieve in such a short amount of time.”
The ride was also an emotional one, with McLaren-Wood dedicating his performance to late friends Shane Richardson and Owen Jenner.
His impressive debut has strengthened his hopes of securing a full-time Australian Superbike Championship ride for the 2026-27 season, while he continues to contest the New Zealand Superbike Championship.
Chamberlain Second In ASBK OJC Cameo
Christchurch teenager Ryder Chamberlain announced himself on the Australian stage with a standout debut in the Oceania Junior Cup at Queensland Raceway.
The 14-year-old adapted quickly to both a new circuit and an unfamiliar bike, slashing three seconds from his lap times before qualifying eighth.
Chamberlain’s pace continued to build on race day, claiming second place in both races to finish runner-up for the round after the third and deciding race was abandoned following a crash, denying him the chance to challenge for the overall victory.
His Australian debut came through the newly established Superbike Pathways Foundation, created by NZSBK promoter Mike Marsden with support from former Kiwi international Stu Avant. Chamberlain travelled to Brisbane with his father, Stu, and was hosted by Avant and his wife, Bec.
The impressive performance has highlighted Chamberlain as one of New Zealand’s brightest young prospects, with a full Australian Superbike Championship Oceania Junior Cup campaign now firmly on the radar.
