Hold onto your helmets, racing fans! A surprising new contender is about to shake up the 2026 WorldSBK season, and they're not just here to participate – they're here to fight!
In a move that's sent ripples of excitement through the motorsport community, Superbike Advocates Racing has officially confirmed their entry into the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. This Australian-owned, UK-based team is bringing seasoned British rider Tommy Bridewell to the grid. While they won't be present for the season's curtain-raiser in Australia, they'll be ready to unleash their full potential from the Pirelli Portuguese Round on March 27-29th onwards, tackling the rest of the championship.
But here's where it gets interesting... This World Championship debut is actually happening sooner than originally planned! The team had initially set their sights on a 2027 entry. By stepping up now, they're making history as the very first Australian-owned team to ever compete in this prestigious category. Talk about seizing an opportunity and aiming for the stars!
Let's talk about their rider, Tommy Bridewell. He's not exactly a newcomer to the racing scene. With an impressive 18-year career in the British Superbike Championship (BSB) since 2007, Bridewell has amassed over 450 races. His trophy cabinet is brimming with 112 podiums, 20 victories, and the coveted British Superbike title in 2023. He's also had a taste of the WorldSBK paddock before, with 20 wildcard appearances dating back to 2008, and most recently in 2025 at Donington and Aragon. His best WorldSBK finish to date was a respectable 10th place at Jerez in 2019. Now, he's set to make a full-time comeback on a Ducati Panigale V4 R as a permanent fixture in the 2026 championship.
Bridewell himself expressed his sheer elation, sharing, “It’s an opportunity I’ve never been given before.” He recounted how a casual comment during BSB testing at Portimao, about leaving the bikes in full WorldSBK spec, sparked the team's ambition. “Before I knew it, the entry was submitted, and we were approved to compete in WorldSBK,” he revealed. “A last-minute switch, but I couldn’t be more excited.” He acknowledges the steep learning curve ahead, admitting, “I feel a bit like a rookie!” but is brimming with anticipation for the season. He also extended a heartfelt plea to his BSB fans to come out and support him and the other British riders.
And this is the part most people miss... The driving force behind this ambitious venture is Team Owner Lee Khouri, the visionary behind Supercar Advocates and a passionate Ducati collector. Khouri is acutely aware of the historical significance of being the first Australian-owned team in WorldSBK and is determined to make his home country, as well as his UK-based team, proud. The team honed their skills and their Ducati V4 R machine in the Australian Superbike Championship, where they secured a strong fifth-place finish. Their pit lane is bolstered by seasoned professionals, including former TT winner Alan Jackson and Technical Director Mick Shanley, who brings invaluable experience from MotoGP and previous WorldSBK stints, alongside a talented crew of technicians and engineers.
Khouri articulated the team's profound pride, stating, “To officially step onto the WorldSBK grid in 2026 is an incredibly proud moment - not just for our team, but for Australia.” He emphasized that their entry is fueled by “pure passion – passion for Ducati, for racing, and for building something that could compete at the highest level.” He reiterated their competitive spirit: “We’re not entering to make up the numbers – we’re here to build, to learn quickly, and to fight.” Khouri is confident that with Bridewell's expertise, the formidable Ducati Panigale V4R, and their robust technical setup, they will establish themselves as a “serious and professional operation from day one.”
Now, for the big question: With such a strong rider lineup and a clear determination to compete, do you think Superbike Advocates Racing has what it takes to challenge the established order in their debut season? Or is the leap from BSB to WorldSBK too great a hurdle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your predictions and opinions!
Get ready for an electrifying season kicking off on February 20th! Don't miss a moment of the pure motorsport action.
