NZ two up confirmed!

The Repco Supercars Championship will bring racing to Christchurch from 2026, with Ruapuna Raceway set to host the first-ever Supercars event on New Zealand’s South Island – part of a groundbreaking NZ double-header.

The announcement marks a major moment for Supercars and Kiwi motorsport fans alike, as the category locks in a two-event presence in both the North and South Islands of Aotearoa from 2026-2028, ensuring racing will take place in Taupō and Ōtautahi Christchurch over the next three years.

The inclusion of Ruapuna Raceway is a milestone moment.

Just 15km west of the city, Ruapuna Raceway will bring Supercars to Christchurch – a city steeped in motorsport culture, now ready for its biggest-ever event.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard thanked the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ  Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Car Club for their tireless support in making the vision a reality.

“This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand,” he said.

“We’ve always wanted to race in the South Island, and thanks to the commitment of the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council and the incredible work of the Canterbury Car Club, that dream will become a reality from 2026.

“Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time.

“Since Supercars’ first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country and we’re thrilled to be bringing a second event to the country that makes up 20 per cent of our total audience.

“We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar.”

The addition of Ruapuna underscores Supercars’ long-term commitment to New Zealand – currently home to five of the Championship’s brightest stars and some of its most dedicated fans.

Following a sell-out return to New Zealand in 2024 at Taupō and the success of the 2025 event that saw Kiwi Matt Payne win the coveted Jason Richards Memorial Trophy on home soil, Supercars has also confirmed that racing will continue at Taupō International Motorsport Park until at least the end of 2028.

Ruapuna Raceway will benefit from a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event, with a community-led vision to enhance sustainability, accessibility, and facilities, including track resurfacing and a rebuilt supporters’ lounge.

“For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and I’m thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year,” New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Louise Upston, said.

“I’m pleased that with this investment from our Major Events Fund, New Zealand’s strong relationship with Supercars will continue in Taupo and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that brings.”

Owner of Taupō International Motorsport Park, Tony Quinn, said he was rapt with the announcement.

“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.”

The addition of Ruapuna joins a long list of New Zealand venues in Supercars history – alongside Pukekohe, Hamilton, and Taupō – and ensures the South Island finally gets its chance to play host to the world’s premier touring car series.