New Zealand Supercars return date locked in

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 21 September 2023

Supercars has announced it will make its racing return to New Zealand on April 19-21 2024 at Taupō Motorsport Park.

It will be a long awaited Trans-Tasman comeback for the category after New Zealand missed out on a spot on the 12-round 2023 calendar following the closure of Pukekohe Park Raceway.

As first revealed by AUTO ACTION, Taupō was Supercars’ preferred location and the 3.32km International configuration was declared as New Zealand’s third championship venue after Pukekohe and Hamilton and 35th overall a few weeks ago.

For the date reveal Supercars made a joint announcement with the New Zealand Government and Taupō District Council at the track itself.

An early April time slot a week before ANZAC Day for the New Zealand round is appropriate given it was the time of year the round was held for almost 10 years between 2004 and 2013, while 2014 was on ANZAC Day itself.

Tony Quinn purchases Taupo Motorsport Park - Image: Supplied

Taupo Motorsport Park should offer some stunning views on the TV.

Although a New Zealand date is confirmed, Supercars still has a number of things to confirm before it can settle on a complete calendar which is expected to start in Newcastle, including a possible return to the Middle East where Qatar is emerging as the frontrunner.

Whilst a format will not be confirmed until after October’s Gold Coast 500, the familiar three 100km race is the favourite with the event officially being called the ITM Taupō SuperSprint.

Once again the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy will go on the line, but for the first time at a venue other than Pukekohe having been first introduced in 2013.

Taupo hosting an A1GP race in 2009. Image: Motorsport Images

New Zealand Major Events Manager Kylie Hawker-Green said there is tremendous excitement for Supercars to return to Aotearoa and remain for the next three years.

“Ever since the first championship event here in 2001, Supercars has become one of New Zealand’s largest attended annual sporting events,” she said.

Taupo’s track map.

“After a year’s hiatus we are excited to be able to help reconnect the tens of thousands of fans from across New Zealand with their favourite teams and drivers, as well as welcome thousands of Australian visitors to Taupo and the surrounding regions.

“The Government’s Major Event Fund is proud to help lock in the return of Supercars by investing $5 million over the next three ITM Taupō SuperSprints.

“We are confident the Taupō round will add to the rich history of Supercar events in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Supercars CEO Shane Howard confirmed tickets for the round will go on sale very soon, while a waitlist has been formed on the Supercars website.

Shane van Gisbegren leads the Supercars field through Turn 1 last year at the final race at the famous Pukekohe. Photo by Mark Horsburgh / LAT Images

“We had an incredible response to the announcement earlier this month and as a result we’re trying to ensure we cover all options for ticketing before we go on sale,” he said.

“We anticipate having grandstand, general admission, corporate and other ticketing options confirmed and on sale in just a few weeks’ time.

“The venue is incredible. To think that in just over 200 days this entire venue will be filled with fans as Supercars race here is very exciting.”

Despite Australian Touring Car Championship cars taking part in a non-championship Mobil NZ Series at Pukekohe and the Wellington Street Circuit in 1996, it was not until 2001 when the first championship round was held outside of Australia.

Pukekohe was the venue and the fans squeezed into every space available to catch a glimpse of home hero Greg Murphy winning all three races.

Greg Murphy leads Mark Skaife on his way to winning the first ever championship race at
Pukekohe Park Raceway in 2001.

Murphy was the Pukekohe king across the early years, also collecting a clean sweep in 2005, whilst winning three wins across 2002 and 2003.

In 2008 the race moved to the streets of Hamilton where it remained for four years until the series returned to a new-look Pukekohe in 2013 with the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy up for grabs for the first time.

Fittingly it was won by Richards’ final team, Brad Jones Racing with teammate Jason Bright scoring an emotional win.

The track was a key part of the calendar until 2020 when initially a move to Hampton Downs was announced before COVID-19 meant all plans were torn up.

Supercars made a celebrated return in 2022, but this proved to be a one off as Pukekohe was soon decommissioned.

Andre Heimgartner will be chasing some silverware on home soild next year. Photo by Mark Horsburgh / LAT Images

After a year off Supercars proud New Zealand history will continue at Taupo next season where Andre Heimgartner (BJR) Ryan Wood (WAU) Matt Payne and Richie Stanaway (Grove Racing) will be the new home heroes.

The Taupo SuperSprint is also expected to be one of the most sustainable Supercars meetings ever with a focus on waste reduction, energy management, water conservation and a strong focus on delivering sustainable transportation options.

For more of the latest motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION or subscribe HERE

Latest podcast: It’s post Sandown and have we got a stack to talk about!

The action off the track at Sandown was just as exciting as the action on it, and we cover it all in our latest podcast! Triple 8 boss Jamie Whincup show everyone he is THE BOSS… Is Tickford set for a leadership shake up, and a new Formula 1 winner, there is plenty to talk about this week.

Listen to our latest podcast episode here or on your podcast app of choice.

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