Nahlous stuns with maiden ASBK win as Voight takes championship lead

JJ Nahlous claimed his maiden Australian Superbike Championship race victory at Phillip Island, while defending champion Harrison Voight opened his 2027 campaign with a win of his own as the series began in challenging conditions.

The opening round of the 2027 Shannons Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli was held on October 24, with Nahlous and Voight sharing the race wins before rain and poor visibility forced the cancellation of Sunday's third race.

Riding for Yamaha Racing Team, Nahlous converted eighth place in qualifying into a surprise victory in the opening 11-lap race, mastering a drying track to take the chequered flag ahead of Cameron Dunker and Voight.

Most of the leading riders opted for slick tyres despite the changing conditions, with Honda's Jacob Roulstone the notable exception. Nahlous made a strong start from the third row and resisted an early challenge from Dunker before building his pace in the second half of the race.

The result marked a career milestone for Nahlous, who had not expected to emerge victorious after qualifying outside the top seven.

“I'm really lost for words, as I didn't expect that one,” Nahlous said. “But obviously it was the best possible outcome, and I'd like to thank everyone for their support in helping me get here. This is a very proud moment in my career.”

Dunker finished second on his Blue Marlin Pools East Racing Yamaha, while Voight secured third after passing Stop and Seal Ducati rider Cru Halliday on the final lap. Halliday nevertheless recorded the fastest lap, with a 1:33.779.

Voight responded in the second race, taking full advantage of his pole position to lead from start to finish on the McMartin Racing Ducati. The defending champion set the fastest lap of the race, a 1:31.611, on lap two before managing his advantage to secure his seventh Superbike race victory.

Halliday and Dunker fought over the remaining podium positions in the closing laps, with Halliday taking second by just 0.04 seconds. Glenn Allerton finished fourth, ahead of Nahlous and Roulstone.

The results left Voight leading the championship after the opening round, although his advantage is narrow. He heads to the next round with 44 points, just three clear of Nahlous on 41, while Dunker sits third on 38 points. Halliday and Allerton complete the top five on 37 and 33 points respectively.

The weekend's programme was cut short when deteriorating weather conditions prevented the third Superbike race from proceeding, limiting the riders to two scoring opportunities at the Victorian circuit.

The championship now moves to The Bend in South Australia from November 13-15, where Voight will look to build on his early advantage and Nahlous will aim to demonstrate that his breakthrough victory was no one-off. Head to www.asbk.com.au for tickets and information.