Supercars set for 13-year first with Christchurch addition

International expansion is well and truly underway in Supercars, with New Zealand to host an historic first championship double-header in 2026.

Announced Friday, the Repco Supercars Championship will bring racing to Christchurch from 2026, with Ruapuna Raceway set to host the first-ever championship round on New Zealand’s South Island.

In a major moment for Supercars and Kiwi motorsport fans alike, Supercars has locked in a two-event presence in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand until at least 2028.

It continues a long and decorated history of New Zealand in Supercars, stemming back to Greg Murphy’s early Pukekohe success, which accelerated Supercars' popularity in NZ, and inspired the next generation of Kiwi stars.

Ruapuna becomes the 36th championship circuit and fourth in New Zealand, after Taupō, Pukekohe and Hamilton.

With two rounds in New Zealand, the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship will be just the ninth to host at least two international championship events, and the first in 13 years.

Since 2001, New Zealand has hosted 22 championship events; 15 at Pukekohe, five at Hamilton and two at Taupō.

The Middle East has hosted seven events; for in Bahrain, and three in Abu Dhabi. Then, there's China and the United States, hosting rounds in 2005 and 2013 respectively.

Multiple overseas rounds were held between 2005 and 2013, bar 2009. There were a record three in 2010, which began with a two-round Middle East swing in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, before heading to Hamilton.

It's important to note that, in November 1996, 12 Supercars contested non-championship races at Pukekohe and the Wellington street circuit.

Regardless, Supercars' international profile has grown in recent years, with drivers making cameos in NASCAR, with multi-time Supercars champions Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen chasing their American dreams.

In 2023, van Gisbergen and Richie Stanaway became the first all-Kiwi pairing to win Bathurst since 1999, while McLaughlin combined with Frenchman Alex Premat to win the 2019 race.

The introduction of the Gen3 ruleset has seen an increased interest from the States, courtesy of the latest iteration of the Camaro and Mustang rivarly. That will go to another level in 2026, with Toyota joining the championship.

Fans outside Australia and New Zealand have also flocked to SuperView, where they can stream every Supercars race, from anywhere in the world on any device, uninterrupted.

Christchurch is the latest step in the expansion, and work is well underway, with the Canterbury Car Club already raising nearly $1 million toward the first stage of development.

Canterbury Car Club President Lewis Low said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Ruapuna join the Supercars calendar.

“This is a dream come true for our club and for motorsport fans right across the South Island. It’s the result of years of hard work from our dedicated volunteers and supporters, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Supercars to our home.

“Ruapuna has a proud grassroots heritage, and this investment will help us transform the venue into a world-class facility that can deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, teams and drivers alike.”

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger added: “This is a massive win for Christchurch. Securing a Supercars event puts our city firmly on the international events map and will inject millions into our local economy — from tourism and hospitality to local jobs and infrastructure.

"It will help showcase the innovation and cutting edge technology that is a key part of our city. Christchurch has long been a city of motorsport lovers, and now we finally have the world-class event we’ve been waiting for. I can’t wait to see the streets come alive when Supercars come to town.”

If you’re interested in attending either event or want to learn more about what will be available, we encourage you to register your interest via this link to ensure you’re among the first to receive updates and availability.

Seasons with two or more international championship Supercars events

International championship Supercars events

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