Supercars, Taupō International Motorsport Park extend deal
Taupō extends deal to keep Supercars on North Island until 2028
Taupō forms part of Supercars double-header in New Zealand from 2026
Christchurch venue Ruapuna will host Supercars over next three years
Supercars has confirmed that racing will continue at Taupō International Motorsport Park until at least the end of 2028, amid a landmark announcement of a double-header.
The Ruapuna event will be the first Supercars round on New Zealand’s South Island, joining Taupō, Pukekohe and Hamilton in hosting the world's leading touring car championship.
Since Supercars’ first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country. Over 110,000 have flocked to Taupō since the event debuted in 2024.
The inaugural Taupō event attracted more than 67,000 fans in 2024 and injected millions into the local economy, including 22,000 visitor nights and $5.8 million in visitor spending.
The deal extension takes Taupō through to 2028, which will be the fifth event held at the Tony Quinn-owned venue.
The 2026 season will also be the first since 2013 to stage two overseas championship rounds.
“We’re thrilled to see Taupō remain a key part of the Supercars Championship through to at least 2028," Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said.
“The Supercars event has already proven to be a huge success for our community – it brings energy, visitors, and international attention to our district.
"To see it grow into a two-week New Zealand celebration alongside Christchurch is fantastic for the whole country.
“We’re proud to play our part in this trans-island motorsport moment, and we can’t wait to keep welcoming fans and teams back to Taupō.”
Matt Payne was a popular winner in Taupō last month, taking out two of three races to become just the third New Zealand-born winner of the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy.
"Locking in Supercars until 2028 is a huge vote of confidence in what we’ve built at Taupō," Quinn said.
“From day one, we’ve wanted to make this one of the best motorsport experiences in the Southern Hemisphere, and Supercars has been a huge part of that vision.
"The feedback from fans, teams, and drivers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re only just getting started.
“With Taupō and now Ruapuna on the calendar, New Zealand’s motorsport scene is stepping onto the world stage like never before.”
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.
