Suzuki GB appoints Powerslide as official entry in National Sportbike Championship

Suzuki GB has appointed Powerslide as its official entry into the Pirelli National Sportbike Championship, which runs as a support series to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship. 

 

Powerslide Suzuki will field four GSX-8Rs in the class, with Asher Durham returning to the team for a second season. He will be joined by Finn Smart-Weeden, Australian Brodie Gawith, and 2025 British Superteen champion Henry Snell.

Durham took two wins and a further three podiums in 2025 and was in the hunt for the runner-up spot in the championship up until the final race of the year at Brands Hatch, in which he unfortunately crashed out in tricky weather conditions while battling for the lead. The race – and the championship – was won by Kas Beekmans on another 8R. 

 

Smart-Weeden is looking to bounce back after an injury-hit period of his career, however, his speed and talent isn’t in doubt, with a CV that includes the 2023 British Junior Supersport Championship.

Jak Tyrrell, Suzuki GB’s motorcycle marketing manager, said, “It was a logical step for us to work more closely with the team at Powerslide in 2026. The team did an excellent job in 2025; the bikes looked great on the way to taking wins and podiums and fighting right at the sharp end of the championship. Their performance and professionalism – along with the talents and potential of the riders – made it an easy decision to sign to work together next season. The 8R has been a hit on the racetrack and on the road since its launch, winning awards and receiving widespread acclaim. We’re looking forward to another title challenge in 2026.” 

 

Brad Clarke, Powerslide Suzuki team principal, commented, “It’s nice to be recognised for our work representing the Suzuki brand in the British Superbike paddock. We had about half a season to begin our development of the 8R in 2024, but its potential in race trim was always apparent, and in 2025 we were really able to have a good go at it and fight at the front of races all season. We’ve got a strong rider lineup, a good package, and the aim is definitely to battle for the championship.” 

The first round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship is scheduled to take place on 2-4 May at Oulton Park. 

 

The GSX-8R is powered by Suzuki’s widely acclaimed 776cc twin-cylinder engine, famed for its low-down torque and midrange drive. It comes with bi-directional quickshifter as standard, selectable power and traction control modes, with information displayed via a colour TFT screen. It is currently available with 5.9% APR Representative finance. 

 

Find out more about the 8R here.