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Sport Nation
In-stadium commentary at Mt SmartSupercars clutch New Zealand double-header for 2026
Joanna Guelas, AAP • May 23rd, 2025 10:00 am
Photo: AAP
Supercars fans will be treated to a New Zealand double-header with a trip to Christchurch added for the 2026 championship and onwards.
Drivers will take their title hunt to Ruapuna Raceway in the touring car category's first visit to the South Island.
The venue is located 15km west of Christchurch and will host Supercars events until at least the end of the 2028 season.
Outgoing Supercars chief executive Shane Howard described the double-header as a dream come true, adding that New Zealand fans make up 20 per cent of the sport's total audience.
"This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand," Howard said in a statement.
Matt Payne after winning in Taupo this year | Photo: AAP
"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.
"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."
Friday's announcement comes after a popular return to New Zealand in 2024.
Taupo International Motorsport Park has hosted Supercars events with much success after fan favourite Pukehoke Park was converted to a thoroughbred racing track in 2022.
More than 67,000 fans attended the inaugural Taupo event across three days, with Kiwi star Matt Payne collecting the coveted Jason Richards Memorial Trophy following two race wins this year.
Taupo will also remain on the Supercars calendar until 2028.
