NZ motor racing fortnight confirmed
James Crocker reports Supercars has announced the dates for the landmark Kiwi double-header next year
By James Crocker
Taupo will lead a two-week New Zealand sojourn for the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship on April 10-12, with the inaugural Ruapuna round taking place the weekend after, on April 17-19.
Next year’s double-header will be the first of three, with the series locking in the pair of events until 2028.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard lauded the fortnight festival, labelling it a major milestone for the category.
“Kicking off in Taupo and finishing in Christchurch, this is a major milestone for Supercars and a huge win for our fans and partners in Aotearoa,” he said
“We saw over 67,000 fans attend our return to Taupo in 2024, and we’re excited to build on that success by bringing the Championship to the South Island for the very first time.
“With two back-to-back events showcasing New Zealand’s best circuits, passionate fans, and iconic locations, April 2026 is set to be one of the biggest months in Supercars history.”
The event carries major backing from New Zealand’s government, with Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston calling Supercars a major drawcard.
“Having these two events on back-to-back weekends in April will really put tourism in the fast lane, encouraging visitors to extend their trip and take the scenic route through both the North and South Islands” she said.
“Supercars is a major drawcard with more than 3,300 international visitors attending the 2024 event in Taupo. I’m looking forward to seeing even more fans in 2026 and beyond as we continue to boost New Zealand’s reputation as a world-class destination.”
The announcement sees the NZ rounds join the Australian Grand Prix as the first confirmed rounds of the expanded 2026 series, with Albert Park being locked in for an earlier March 5-8 birth.
