Kas Beekmans took victory in a hard-fought opening race as he pipped Harrison Dessoy by 0.260s.
The Dutch rider had taken the lead at the start of the 12-lap race, but soon fell into the clutches of Dessoy, who took the lead before Beekman managed to claw it back.
It all came down to the final lap when Dessoy made a move into the final corner but ran wide, allowing Beekman to hold the lead and power across the line to win. Polesitter Rhys Stephenson took third, with Fenton Seabright fourth and Ferre Fleerackers fifth.
Pirelli National Sportbike Championship, Race One:
1. Kas Beekmans (VLR/NIWA Racing)
2. Harrison Dessoy (PHR Performance Triumph) +0.260s
3. Rhys Stephenson (Rocket Racing) +1.427s
4. Fenton Seabright (FHS Racing/RD Racing) +1.734s
5. Ferre Fleerackers (B.art Racing Team) +2.366s