Supercars returns to New Zealand this week, with the first of two race events in Aotearoa taking place this weekend at the ITM Taupō Super 440.
This year marks the third visit for Supercars to Taupō International Motorsport Park, and will be followed up by Supercars’ inaugural event in Christchurch, marking the Championship’s first-ever double header in New Zealand.
Kiwi Matt Payne emerged as a star of the sport in 2025, winning two of the three races in Taupō at last year’s event, and six months later claimed his maiden Bathurst 1000 win.
“I’m looking forward to getting in front of the home crowd as racing in NZ is a real treat,” said
Payne. “Luckily we experience it twice this year.
“The NZ culture you live and breathe it growing up. We really feel proud when we race at home amongst the fans.”
The 23-year old from Auckland is expected to be in contention again this weekend in Taupō, where again three races will be held across the April 10-12 weekend.
The popular Track to Town highlights pre-event festivities on Thursday in Taupō, where the entire 24-car Supercars field will drive from Taupō International Motorsport Park into Taupō CBD.
Fans will be able to meet the stars and see the cars of Supercars from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. NZST at the free-to-the-public event.
On-track action begins Friday with Supercars practice, followed by two 120-kilometre races on Saturday, and one 200-kilometre race on Sunday.
The driver who scores the most points across the Taupō and Christchurch events will be awarded the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, named for beloved Kiwi driver Jason Richards who succumbed to cancer in 2011.
Payne won the JR Trophy in 2025, becoming just the third Kiwi to do so, joining Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin.
Comments