How Christchurch is preparing for Supercars
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 30 May 2025
Ruapuna will become the newest Supercars venue in New Zealand in 2026, and the Canterbury Car Club is readying itself for its biggest moment.
In 2026, there will not be one, but two Supercars rounds in New Zealand for the first time, with Christchurch on the South Island joining Taupo up north.
The 3.330km circuit is run by the Canterbury Car Club, which has stated that minimal modifications will be required to welcome its biggest meeting since opening in 1963.
With so much history, the track has plenty of corner names full of character for fans to get accustomed to from Pothole, Crown Lift Carousel, Jeff’s Corner and The Rock Sweeper.
But to make sure Supercars can race in Christchurch, Canterbury Car Club General Manager Mark Wederell has called out for members’ assistance to get the jobs done.
“We have a bit of work to get done before they arrive, but not as much as has been reported,” he wrote in an email to club members.
Most of the work we need to do is safety improvements on track, things we we’re planning to do over the coming couple of years. These improvements will benefit everyone who races on our track.
“We do not need to resurface the track and do not need to build new pit lane garages for Supercars.
“However, the CCC Boards great vision for the future is to raise the funds to build a new pit garage complex, a new race management building, and a supporters lounge.
“We have a plan to raise the funds required, so all going well, we’d like to have the garages built for year 2 or 3.
“Over the next few weeks I will be working out a schedule of works for the coming months. All of the big jobs we will use contractors for.
“Over the summer months we plan to hold a few working bees, where we’ll be asking for your help.
“There’ll be a lot of painting projects on track, and general tidy up around the park.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our Club. I’m looking forward to taking you on this amazing journey with us.”
Image: Toyota NZ
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