Matt Payne celebrates winning the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy in Taupō this year.

The Taupō leg of the Supercars Championship has been extended by two years and another New Zealand event added to the schedule.

Repco Supercars Championship CEO Shane Howard announced Ruapuna Raceway in Christchurch has been added to the calendar for 2026-2028, making the first ever Kiwi double-header.

Taupō will continue to host racing through until at least 2028 also.

“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 news comes on the back of 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.

The event attracted more than 67,000 fans in 2024 and injected millions into the local economy, including 22,000 visitor nights and $5.8 million in visitor spending.

Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas says he’s “thrilled” to see Taupō remain a key part of the Supercars Championship through to at least 2028.

“The Supercars event has already proven to be a huge success for our community – it brings energy, visitors, and international attention to our district. To see it grow into a two-week New Zealand celebration alongside Christchurch is fantastic for the whole country.

“We’re proud to play our part in this trans-island motorsport moment, and we can’t wait to keep welcoming fans and teams back to Taupō.”

Taupō International Motorsport Park owner Tony Quinn says with Taupō and now Ruapuna on the calendar, New Zealand’s motorsport scene is “stepping onto the world stage like never before.

“Locking in Supercars until 2028 is a huge vote of confidence in what we’ve built at Taupō.

“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.”

New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister and MP for Taupō Louise Upston says Supercars events have played an important role showcasing the country to an international audience and she was “thrilled” the South Island will now be part of it.

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

Ruapuna Raceway will receive 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.

The Track to Town events in Taupō draws thousands of locals and visitors to the CBD to see the cars and drivers up close.

The project is being driven by the Canterbury Car Club, which has already raised nearly $1 million toward the first stage of development.

Canterbury Car Club President Lewis Low says it is “a dream come true” for the club.

“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, Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Car Club for their support in making the vision a reality.

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

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger – a long-time supporter of bringing Supercars to the city – said the news was a major win for local fans and for Christchurch’s wider tourism economy.

“Securing a Supercars event puts our city firmly on the international events map and will inject millions into our local economy — from tourism and hospitality to local jobs and infrastructure. It will help showcase the innovation and cutting-edge technology that is a key part of our city.

“Christchurch has long been a city of motorsport lovers, and now we finally have the world-class event we’ve been waiting for. I can’t wait to see the streets come alive when Supercars come to town.”

Ruapuna joins a proud 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.

The full event name, ticketing details and supporting categories for the 2026 Ruapuna event will be announced at a later date.