Harrison Voight’s started his defence of the 2027 Shannons Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK) in fine style, securing pole position for this weekend’s three races at Phillip Island on the McMartin Racing Ducati.

In front of nearly 33,000 spectators – a Friday Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix record – the 20-year-old Queenslander’s third pole position in the SW-Motech Superbike class was only by a whisker, though, as Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools East Racing Yamaha) produced a late qualifying flyer to nearly cause a mini upset.

But Voight’s 1:31.394 was just enough hustle to get the job done over Dunker (1:31.405) as he secured the bonus point for pole position and a $1000 cheque from AMX Superstores.

Voight and Dunker will be joined on the front row by tireless veteran Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Ducati), with Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati), Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team ) and Josh Waters (DesmoSport Ducati) to fill the second row.

Related: Spring into Summer: Phillip Island heralds the start of new Shannons ASBK era
Related: Shannons ASBK round one results here

Harrison Voight with his pole position spoils thanks to AMX Superstores

Five-time ABK champion Waters is making his debut for DesmoSport at Phillip Island after leaving McMartin Racing – with John Lytras (Addicted to Track Yamaha) and Jack Favelle (Apex Racing Team Honda) also campaigning in new pastures.

The pair qualified on row three, split by JJ Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team).

Then it’s Jacob Roulstone (Honda), who will have some work to do if he wants to repeat his stunning victory as an ASBK rookie at Phillip Island in February.

But with precipitation on the way, the balance of power in the races could alter dramatically from what transpired in qualifying – with Allerton for one proving to be a master in mixed conditions over recent seasons.

Cameron Dunker came within a whisker of scoring his maiden Superbike pole position

Twenty-nine riders qualified for the Superbike races, which will receive live and exclusive coverage on Fox Sports and Kayo, followed by a follow-up highlights show on SBS Sport on November 8 with additional interviews and behind-the-scenes features.

Two races will be held on Saturday at 12:10pm and 4:10pm, and the finale on Sunday at 9am.

Spectators will also have multiple opportunities to meet the ASBK stars over the grand prix weekend, including a special autograph session at the Shannons SuperRig from 2:30-3:00pm on Saturday featuring Voight, Nahlous, Roulstone and Waters.

Images: RbMotoLens

Glenn Allerton’s kicked off the season with some serious speed