Tyler King Joins Helicraft Racing

New Zealand motorcycle racing fans can look forward to seeing rising star Tyler King aboard the Helicraft Racing MV Agusta 800 F3 RR next season.

The recently crowned New Zealand Superlites champion has agreed to race for the Wanaka team in a two-pronged New Zealand Superbike Championship title assault.

The 18-year-old will race the MV Agusta in the 2026 NZ 600 Supersport Championship and a Yamaha R7 in the ProTwins class.

King, from Silverdale, recently undertook an extensive two-day MV test with the team, completing more than 50 laps at Ruapuna on day one and taking two wins out of two the following day at Levels.

"I'm really excited to take this next step up in my racing career," King says.

"The MV is a fantastic bike; it just does things so well.

"I was probably a little surprised at how easily I adapted to it, but I also know this is where the hard work really begins if I am to get the best out the bike and myself."

Helicraft Racing team owner Rod Price is looking forward to working with King, who rode in three different national classes last season – Superlites, 600 and 300 Supersport.

He also won the Auckland-based Carl Cox Ninja Cup series.

"Tyler is undoubtedly the hottest young prospect in New Zealand racing," Price says.

"Not many riders get to stand on the podium 13 times at a national championship round.

"He is also an exceptional young man and I can see why he was a hands-down winner of the Cormac Buchanan Trophy this year."

(The Trophy is awarded to the best young rider whose race success is guided by sportsmanship and all-round personal qualities).

Price was impressed with King's approach to the recent test session.

"He showed remarkable maturity and built up his speed and confidence through both days.

"Tyler slotted into the Helicraft environment and joins us with the full support of the team and our other riders, Harriet Grace and Mya Wilcox," Price says.

"There's a good feeling already and we're keen to ensure Tyler gets what he needs both on and off the track.

"We've laid out a pathway and goals for Tyler and he's enthused to get going."

King will continue to cross the Tasman this winter where he is a leading rider in the Australian 300 Supersport Championship.

Meanwhile, Price is keen to acknowledge the efforts of Seth Devereux, who played a key role in the MV 800 programme.

"Seth put in a huge effort during last winter as we built towards debuting the 800.

"Seth rewarded us with some very encouraging podium rides last season but he was then unfortunately sidelined through injury.

"We wish Seth our very best in his recovery and he knows he's always welcome in the team garage."

The team will continue with current riders Harriet Grace and Mya Wilcox next season.

"Harriet surprised many people in her rookie year in the 300 Supersport Championship," Price says.

"She got faster and more determined and we fully expect her to be among the front-runners next season after finishing 11th overall this year.

"Mya, too, has come a long way after making her track debut 12 months ago.

"She will be stepping up to the nationals next season.

"To be running four bikes and three riders is another step up for the team, but our technicians – Phil Purdue, David Cullen, Al Wilton and Peter Fish – this year proved they are capable of meeting challenges and building fast, reliable race bikes," Price says.

King comes to the team with a substantial list of sponsors and his tech support crew – mechanic Glen Horne and engine builder Gavin Veltmeyer – to help share that load.

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