Australia-based Supercars Championship will return to New Zealand from next season.
Confirmed:
- Three-year contract signed with Taupo International Motorsport Park
- Supercars has raced in New Zealand once since 2019
Context:
New Zealand dropped off the Supercars calendar following the pandemic and, although there was a brief return to Auckland in 2022, the Australian racing series has struggled to find a secure home in the neighbouring country.
Comment:
Shane Howard, chief executive of Supercars, said: “We are honoured to receive the New Zealand Major Events and Taupo District Council's endorsement for the Supercars Championship's return in 2024. A key priority for Supercars has been the championship’s return to New Zealand and its passionate fan base.
“This support is a great step forward in ensuring we can begin a new chapter of racing at the world-class circuit in Taupo. With the support and the availability of Taupo International Motorsport Park, Supercars is now focused on identifying a suitable date for the event in 2024.”
Coming next:
With a return to New Zealand secured, albeit for the short term, Supercars can now start to look further afield with its expansion plans. Previous reports have indicated Supercars wants to support at least three Formula One races, which could see countries like Singapore and the United States targeted.