An aerial look of the Taupō International Motorsport Park. The Repco Supercars Championship has announced it will return to New Zealand in 2024.
This year, the Championship was unable to head across the Tasman Sea to hold a round for the first time since 2000, excluding the COVID-19 years. However today Supercars has confirmed it will return to New Zealand for the next three years, with the event to run at Taupō International Motorsport Park.
The announcement comes off the back of an agreement between Supercars and the New Zealand Government via its Major Events Fund.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard was thrilled to be able confirm a return to New Zealand after positive discussions with a number of key stakeholders.
“We are honoured to receive the New Zealand Major Events and Taupō District Council’s endorsement for the Supercars Championship’s return in 2024,” Howard said.
“A key priority for Supercars has been the Championship’s return to New Zealand and its passionate fan base.
“This support is a great step forward in ensuring we can begin a new chapter of racing at the world-class circuit in Taupō.
“With the support and the availability of Taupō International Motorsport Park, Supercars is now focused on identifying a suitable date for the event in 2024.
“The championship looks forward to collaborating closely with all stakeholders, series partners and fans, to ensure the successful return of the Supercars Championship to New Zealand.
“We can’t wait to get over to New Zealand to celebrate with our dedicated fans this major announcement for the Championship.”
Next year will be the first time Supercars holds a round at the circuit, which is based on the nation’s North Island, with previous New Zealand rounds having been held at Pukekohe Park Raceway and the Hamilton Street Circuit, while Hampton Downs was originally touted to run on the 2020 calendar, before being cancelled due to the pandemic.
Although a date for the 2024 event has yet to be announced, what has been locked in is which of the circuit’s four tracks will be utilised, with the 3.32km International Circuit layout chosen.
The venue also features a three-storey pit lane complex and 32 pit garages, along with first floor corporate suites within the race control complex.
Owner of Taupō International Motorsport Park, Tony Quinn was pleased to be able to host a round of Supercars at the circuit he took control of in 2021.
“It’s fitting that Supercars is coming back to NZ and hats off to everyone who has made it happen,” Quinn said.
“The Kiwis are going to love the excitement of it all. While some people might be surprised that it’s at our Taupō Track, we think it’s a winning combination – the track will provide excellent racing, the consents are all in place, Taupō and their community have a proven track record in hosting world-class events, and we know that Supercars knows how to make the magic happen.
“Since purchasing the park at the end of 2021, we’ve been full steam ahead bringing it up to “TQ” standard and it’s special for our organisation to be part of the team making Supercars a reality back in NZ, in one of the most stunning regions in the country.
“I’ve no doubt that the Aussies that make the trip over to NZ are going to be well impressed with the Taupō region and all it has to offer and will go home and spread the good word.”
Tauhara hapū and Ngāti Tūwharetoa spokesperson Te Moananui Ramek was looking forward to welcoming the Supercars for its debut at Taupō International Motorsport Park in 2024.
“This event marks a significant opportunity for our rohe, both culturally and economically. Supercars offer a platform to showcase our indigeneity to the world. This event can serve as a bridge to share our traditions, stories, and values with attendees from around the globe, fostering understanding and appreciation of who we are as a people,” Te Moananui explained.
“By embracing the Supercars event, we are forging a meaningful partnership between the Tauhara hapū, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and the motorsport community.
“This collaboration promises cultural exchange and sustainable economic advancement for our people. We look forward to this event’s positive impact on Tauhara hapū, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, the Taupō community and Aotearoa.”
More details of the round will be released in the coming weeks.
Keyword: Supercars to run rounds in New Zealand from 2024