Supercars confirm NZ double header for 2026

The Repco Supercars Championship has announced that two rounds will be held in New Zealand next year. The existing round at Taupo on the North Island will be joined by a new round at Ruapuna Raceway on the South Island, with the two held on consecutive weekends as part of a Kiwi double-header. Two NZ rounds in the one season will be a first in Supercars' history.

Since 2001, Supercars has regularly held a championship round in New Zealand, mostly at Pukekohe and the Hamilton street circuit, with Taupo making its debut last year. Between 1985 and 1996, the category also competed in Auckland, but this was as part of an international Group A series and not the Supercars championship.

The addition of Ruapuna to the Supercars calendar on a three-year deal was announced at the same time as a contract extension with Taupo until the end of 2028.

Located 15km from Christchurch, Ruapuna Raceway is described as a proud, club-run venue with deep local roots, supported by a passionate motorsport community. Adding Ruapuna to the Supercars calendar will kick-start a multi-million dollar upgrade of the venue, including track resurfacing and rebuilding the supporters’ lounge.

The Canterbury Car Club are the main drivers of the upgrade, which club president Lewis Low says will be great for motorsport fans throughout the South Island.

“This is a dream come true for our club and for motorsport fans right across the South Island,” Low said. “It’s the result of years of hard work from our dedicated volunteers and supporters, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Supercars to our home.”

Supercars CEO, Shane Howard thanked the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Car Club in making the dream of an expanded presence in New Zealand a reality.

“This is incredibly exciting for Supercars and fans across New Zealand,” Howard said. “Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. We are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time.”

Dates for the 2026 Taupo round and inaugural Ruapuna round will be announced later this year.