Teams preparing for Tasmania as Supercars return home

Supercars teams are preparing for the upcoming trip to Tasmania as cars and equipment return from New Zealand.

Supercars moved to a sea freight model for this year’s New Zealand round, with cars and gear shipped across the Tasmania in containers after Round 2 in Melbourne.

Following the completion of the Taupō round, cars and equipment were turned around and readied for departure back to Australia.

Setting off from Auckland, the 24-car fleet, comprised of two-car containers, was briefly delayed by port closures amid Cyclone Tam, before setting sail for Australia.

Two ships set sail for Australia; one for Brisbane, and the other for Melbourne.

Queensland teams received their containers on Tuesday, with southern teams set to receive their cars on Wednesday.

The containers must remain sealed until a quarantine officer arrives on site, before cars and equipment can be rolled back into teams' respective workshops.

Once serviced, cars and equipment will be put into team transporters and dispatched to Melbourne, before catching the ferry to Tasmania.

It has been a rollercoaster turnaround for Queensland teams, which fled the state early in March to travel to Melbourne amid the threat of Cyclone Alfred.

Triple Eight, Matt Stone Racing, Dick Johnson Racing and PremiAir Racing all departed for Melbourne across March 6 and March 7.

After completing the Melbourne round, cars travelled to and from New Zealand, leading to a 52-day, seven-week return journey for northern teams.

Cars will hit the track at Symmons Plains for the Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440 from Friday May 9. Tickets on sale now.