So, the classes remain the same as last season but the series will now consist of three rounds( rather than four), each now with four races, giving a twelve race points tally to decide the titles. How does that work? Well it will be held at Levels Raceway, Timaru for the opening round on January 21-23 before heading to Christchurch’ s Ruapuna the following weekend before heading north. The final round will be held at Hampton Downs, including the TT, on March 5-7 in conjunction with the Motofest Bike Show. Sure, we would all love to see a bunch of rounds, heaps of races and have the series go all summer long. In reality, it is a compromise. Keeping costs down is a call from the paddock – it is hard out there, financially. The plan is to step back into a four-round series for 2028 but to keep the grids full, the fans happy, make it as affordable as humanly possible for the teams and give enough racing to make the titles hold their own, this year it will be three rounds. So, there is no NZSBK at the Burt Munro Challenge this summer, the 20th running of the event and no Manfeild this year but next season the Manawatu circuit is planned into the mix. So, some tough choices have been made and in the current climate, it was unrealistic to hope for a round at every circuit, much as that would be awesome. To support the racing and build a head of steam to expand the championship in 2028, go and watch the action live, chat to the racers, inhale the atmosphere and make a solid spectator base going forward..