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Racers in all categories of next year’s Star Insure NZ Superbike Championship Series will be starting out with one thing in common – Bridgestone tyres.
The move to a single-make official tyre is one of the key initiatives introduced by promoter Mike Marsden to the new-look series.
“It was a big step and one that had to happen in my mind,” says Marsden, who took over promotion of the series last year.
“The championship was dying and there was a need for big changes to not only boost the profile of the series, but also give riders better value and I am really pleased to now have the support of the paddock on this.
“An official tyre was a top priority, and was always going to be a challenge, but we have now achieved that, which is a critical step along the path to the commercial viability and sustainability of the Series.
“Bridgestone Moto NZ, through New Zealand importer Whites Powersports, have come on board with a great package, which means riders will be getting cheaper race tyres and a level of service not seen before at the top level.”
Marsden says official tyres are a proven model in motorsports worldwide, offering financial stability for a racing series and providing the resources for reinvestment into the sport.
As part of the deal, Star Insure NZSBK riders will pay 15 percent less for the already cost-effective Bridgestone racing tyres, while tyres for the Supersport 150cc class will be free.
“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 Moto NZ, through Whites Powersports, are making it fast and easy for racers and track day enthusiasts to access Bridgestone’s racing tyre options.
As of this week, Bridgestone racing products can be bought on www.bridgestonemoto.co.nz and will be shipped directly to the buyer. Shipping cost is calculated at checkout with a maximum fee of $60, and all tyres sold will incur a regulation Tyrewise Tyre Stewardship Fee, as per Tyrewise requirements.
In addition, 2026 Star Insure NZSBK Series entrants will get a further discount on racing products to help create a fairer and more cost-effective series. The special pricing will be available only to those racers with a confirmed NZSBK Series entry.
Some competitors are already seeing value from the switch and looking forward to the benefits.
Rogan Chandler, who finished third overall in the 2025 Star Insure NZSBK Superbike Series, raced a Bridgestone-shod M1 Motorsport BMW all through last season.
“They are certainly competitive,” Chandler says. “We were at the pointy end all season. “Of course, some setup changes will be required for most bikes and the riders will have to adapt also, but that’s racing.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the setup direction people take and what I and the team can learn from the rest of the field.”
Multi NZSBK Champion Sloan Frost has been using Bridgestone tyres with his son Nixon in the 300 class.
“Nixon recently did back-to-back tests with Bridgestone tyres on the 300 and found the bike was more stable without any set up changes which resulted in consistent lap times within 10ths of the lap record throughout an entire day of racing,” Frost says.
“We were so impressed with the tyre that we have decided to compete in Australian championship on Bridgestones also.
“I think it’s a great direction for the New Zealand championship to have a constant supply at competitive pricing.
“With the consistency of grip level that we see from the Bridgestone tyres we will be able to reduce consumption, waste and costs while maintaining a level playing field.”
Helicraft Racing’s Tyler King and Harriet Grace have also tested the new official tyres at a recent Ruapuna meeting and both were impressed.
While team owner Rod Price worked through suspension, geometry and tyre pressure changes on Tyler’s MV Agusta 800,Harriet rode her Yamaha R3 without changes.
“The tyres were good . . . We think they’ll be fine,” Tyler says.
“The Bridgestones were great. They felt super grippy and I was very comfortable to push on them – and get a new PB lap!” Harriet says.
