ASBK 2026

A wide cross-section of Australian road racing talent, alongside a handful of internationals, took part in a private two-day test at Phillip Island on January 6–7, with the event organised by Moto3 Grand Prix rider Joel Kelso and three-time Australian Superbike Champion Wayne Maxwell.

The idea for the test came from Kelso, who was keen to get meaningful track time outside the usual ride days and to open the opportunity up to other riders and teams. The concept was well received, with strong attendance across multiple classes, and both Kelso and Maxwell are understood to be keen to repeat the format next year.

Conditions across the two days were markedly different. Tuesday provided near-ideal weather, with cloudless skies, temperatures in the mid-20s and minimal wind.

Wednesday proved far more demanding, with ambient temperatures climbing into the high 30s by lunchtime and a strengthening northerly wind. Track temperatures exceeded 65 degrees Celsius, with grip hard to find and several teams encountering fuel vapourisation issues during the hottest part of the day. Tyre issues were also prevalent, with some rear tyres losing major chunks out of the sidewall.

One of the key storylines was the debut of Anthony West with the DesmoSport Ducati team. After three seasons aboard the Addicted to Track Yamaha, where he finished third in the 2025 ASBK Superbike Championship, West steps into 2026 as the lead rider for the Ben Henry-owned Ducati squad.

Anthony West on the DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens

The 44-year-old focussed on understanding the character of the V4 machine, consistently running at 1m33s and then dropping to 1m32s, while experimenting with balance and front-end feel.

Ant West rolls out on the DesmoSport Ducati at Phillip Island – Image RbMotoLens

West remained on track late into Wednesday afternoon, even as others packed up, with the team trialling a softer front-end setup during his final outings. Charlie Hallam was present in the garage supporting the program, while team backer Deon Coote of Elite Roads monitored progress.

Olly Simpson gives DesmoSport Ducati Team Owner some feedback on the Next Gen V2 – Image RbMotoLens

Another newcomer to the DesmoSport Ducati setup was Olly Simpson, sampling the Next Gen Supersport Ducati V-twin for the first time at Phillip Island. Sharing the garage was Oli Bayliss, who was keen to log laps after limited testing opportunities of late. A water pump issue delayed Bayliss’ Ducati time until parts arrived on day two, prompting him to use his time to help Glen Richards shakedown a Next Gen GSX-R750 he recently built and now has up for sale.

Senna Agius testing at Phillip Island this week – Image RbMotoLens

Moto2 Grand Prix race winner Senna Agius was also part of the test and the fastest rider on track after dipping into the 31s. His running was curtailed on the afternoon of day one when mechanical issues ended his test early. Agius is now not expected to contest this Friday’s St George Summer Night Series.

Senna Agius in the pits at Phillip Island – Image RbMotoLens

A notable new presence in the ASBK paddock was the Blue Marlin Pools Racing Team. Team owner Josh Holmes has assembled a four-rider lineup across two classes, with Cam Dunker and Luke Jones leading the Superbike effort. Dunker spent considerable time on track over both days, reportedly circulating in the low 1m32s. The team will also field Jake Senior and Phoenix O’Brien in the 300 category this season.

Cam Dunker on the Marlin Pools backed Yamaha testing at Phillip Island – Image RbMotoLens

The Irving Vincent project continued its preparation for international competition, with Beau Beaton riding the air-cooled Super Hooligan machine he will campaign in MotoAmerica this year.  The focus at Phillip Island was on refining the front-end feel as the team prepares to take on Daytona.

Beau Beaton shaking down the latest iteration of the air-cooled Irving Vincent – Image RbMotoLens

ASBK 2025 Rookie of the Year Jonathon “JJ” Nahlous also took part, though mechanical issues limited his running on the second day. Despite the setback, Nahlous confirmed he managed to set a personal best around the Island.

JJ Nahlous on track at Phillip Island this week – Image RbMotoLens

Archie McDonald was circulating on some tasty Ducati models brought along by his new team boss, James Tonna, as he keeps his hand in ahead of his Bagger World Cup campaign with Joe Rascal.

Archie McDonald – Image RbMotoLens

Current Victorian Superbike Champion Brendan Wilson was also logging laps, continuing preparations for a full ASBK campaign aboard the TT Motorcycles Yamaha R1.

Judd Plaisted was getting up to speed at Phillip Island as he prepares for his Moto4 Asia Cup campaign

Among the younger riders, Judd Plaisted made his Phillip Island debut ahead of his Asia Talent Cup (now rebranded as the Moto4 Asia Cup) campaign in 2026, working closely with Kelso to get up to speed on the fast, flowing circuit. Plaisted will also return to the FIM MotoMini Series this year.

Judd Plaisted – Image RbMotoLens

Joining Plaisted at Phillip Island this week was 11-year-old Archie Pope from New South Wales, who impressed in the FIM MiniGP series last season and is set to focus on that pathway in 2026.

Judd Plaisted and Archie Pope at Phillip Island this week – Image RbMotoLens

Kelso’s own riding time was limited after his bike expired early on day one, though he was able to borrow a machine from the Blue Marlin Pools team to get some laps in.

Joel Kelso also logged laps on various bikes while also lending a guiding hand to the youngsters – Image RbMotoLens

Maxwell, meanwhile, remained off the bike throughout the test, instead providing coaching and guidance to several riders over the two days.

Wayne Maxwell is guiding the career of Cam Dunker – Image RbMotoLens

With strong participation, varied conditions and meaningful track time logged across all levels, the Phillip Island test served as a valuable early-season hit-out ahead for many of ASBK’s heavy hitters.

Defending champ Josh Waters will not ride until the semi-official ASBK Test that will be held at Phillip Island on January 19-20.

Mike Jones and YRT will also have their first outing for 2026 at that test. While his signing is yet to be officially announced, Nahlous is expected to make his first outing in YRT colours at the P.I. test later this month.

Glenn Allerton will be at the P.I. test with Superbike Advocates Racing and will also compete in this week’s St’ George Summer Nights round at SMP.

Stop & Seal will also be in Sydney Friday night with Cru Halliday, Tom Toparis and Ryan Yanko, and will also attend the Jan 19-20 test at Phillip Island.

Addicted To Track will also compete at SMP tonight and attend the Phillip Island test later this month.

2026 ASBK Provisional Calendar

2026 ASBK PROVISIONAL CALENDAR

Round One
February 20-22
Phillip Island, VIC (WorldSBK)

Round Two
March 27-28
Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW

Round Three
May 1-3
The Bend, SA

Round Four
May 29-31
Morgan Park, QLD

Round Five
June 26-28
Queensland Raceway, QLD