23/05/2026
Rather late, but I thought Iβd better wrap up Rounds 3 & 4 of NZSBK 2026. Had to hit the books as soon as we finished Round 4 β itβs NCEA Level 1 for me this year at college π
**Round 3 β Hampton Downs**
One of my favourite rounds of the season!
β’ Qualified β 4th β 2:10.8
β’ Race 1 β 5th β 2:09.8
β’ Race 2 (Aaron Slight) β 7th β 2:11.07
β’ Race 3 β 6th β 2:12.2
I was stoked to qualify 4th, especially being my first time riding the International Circuit. Last time I was here for AMCC Round 3, I βfoundβ the gravel trap twice π
Race 1 was fairly uneventful and managed to drop another second off my lap time.
Race 2 was EPIC!! Close racing all the way with my Elevate teammates Troy Stephens Racing 28 & Samuel Chave Racing, and 'new kid on the block' Tyler Lambarth, constantly swapping positions. I especially enjoyed out-braking them into Turn 2 π
Lap 5 brought a close call into Turn 2 when Sam braked earlier than I expected while I was in his slipstream. Luckily, I managed to avoid him, Troy, and Tyler, kept the bike upright, and stayed on track. Unfortunately, I lost the tow from the group and wasnβt able to catch back up.
I got a great start in Race 3, but had to run wide into Turn 2 to avoid another rider who was having bike issues. That dropped me off the group, and despite pushing hard, I couldnβt close the gap again.
Sunday was also International Womenβs Day, and I was honoured to join the other female riders and top riders from the series signing autographs for fans. It was a completely new experience for me β definitely nerve-racking at first β but something I really enjoyed.
**Round 4 β Taupo International Motorsport Park**
β’ Qualified β 7th β 2:02.3
β’ Race 1 β 6th β 2:03.7
β’ Race 2 (TT) β 7th β 2:01.4
β’ Race 3 β 6th β 2:01.2
This was a tough weekend overall. It was my first time racing at TaupΕ, and I also wasnβt on my usual bike. We tried a range of different setups throughout the weekend, but just couldnβt quite find the sweet spot. Despite the changes, I wasnβt able to match the pace of the front runners.
It was definitely a test of mental perseverance, but I still really enjoyed learning the track and taking away valuable experience.
One of the highlights of the weekend was watching my little brother Nathan Chappell Racing, along with our cousin Marc Chappell Racing and the other Minigp Academy NZ riders, cutting laps during the lunch break with Ashton Hughes. Pretty cool seeing the next generation out there having fun.
Looking back, itβs amazing what weβve achieved in such a short time. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way β I canβt wait to see what comes next ππ
Elevate Racing
NZSBK Championship
Minigp Academy NZ
California Superbike School (NZ)
Road Race Trust
MotoTT Trackdays
Women in Motorcycling NZ - MNZ
Whites Powersports
Crown Kiwi Enterprises
Xpress Racewear - NZ
Bridgestone Moto NZ
ASP
