Supercars - Taupo Super 440

The Taupo Super 440 brings v8supercars racing to Taupo International Motorsport Park for another season of high-speed competition. This event serves as the opening round of the NZ Double Header, pairing the Taupo race with a second event in Christchurch. The ITM Taupo Super 440 showcases the full Supercars Championship field on one of New Zealand's most technical racing circuits.

Taupo International Motorsport Park

The v8supercars will race on the 3.32 km International Circuit configuration at Taupo International Motorsport Park. This circuit features 14 turns arranged in an anti-clockwise direction. The track layout includes an 830-meter back straight combined with technical low-speed corners and faster sections.

The surface presents a challenge for teams and drivers. Multiple surface changes occur throughout the circuit, particularly at corner apexes. This abrasive surface creates high tire degradation during racing. Teams must manage tire wear carefully across race distances.

Taupo International Motorsport Park holds FIA Grade 2 certification. The facility includes two pit areas, a three-story pit lane complex, corporate suites, and a race control center. The venue hosts various national and international motorsport events throughout the year.

The Competition

The Taupo Super 440 features a full field of Supercars Championship competitors. Triple Eight fields Ford Mustangs for Will Brown, Broc Feeney, and Jackson Walls. Grove Racing runs Matt Payne and Kai Allen in Ford entries. Tickford Racing campaigns Fords for Cam Waters and Thomas Randle.

Walkinshaw Andretti United brings Toyota machinery for Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood. Team 18 operates GM entries for Anton De Pasquale and David Reynolds. Brad Jones Racing fields three Toyota entries for Andre Heimgartner, Cam Hill, and Macauley Jones.

Dick Johnson Racing runs Brodie Kostecki and Rylan Gray in Fords. Matt Stone Racing campaigns GM entries for Jack Le Brocq and Zach Bates. PremiAir Racing fields GM cars for Jayden Ojeda and Declan Fraser. Erebus Motorsport runs Cooper Murray and Jobe Stewart in GM entries. Blanchard Racing Team completes the field with Ford entries for James Golding and Aaron Cameron.

Race Format

The Taupo Super 440 weekend includes qualifying sessions, a Top Ten Shootout, and races for the v8supercars. The circuit's technical nature tests driver skill and car setup. The lower average speed compared to other Supercars circuits creates different strategic considerations for teams.

Support categories complement the main v8supercars action. These categories have included Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, NZ Central Muscle Cars, Toyota GAZOO Racing 86 Series NZ, and Formula Ford NZ at previous New Zealand events.

Jason Richards Memorial Trophy

The Jason Richards Memorial Trophy recognizes achievement across the New Zealand rounds. The trophy goes to the driver who scores the most points across both the Taupo Super 440 and the Christchurch event. This format honors the memory of Jason Richards while celebrating success across the NZ Double Header.

Track to Town

The Track to Town event brings the v8supercars from Taupo International Motorsport Park into central Taupo. All Supercars make their way to Roberts Street where fans can view the cars up close. This community event connects the racing with the local area and provides access to the Supercars outside the circuit environment.

Taupo Racing History

Taupo International Motorsport Park evolved from a 1.398 km club track established in 1959 into a 3.5 km international facility. Tony Quinn purchased the circuit in November and continues to develop the venue as a major motorsport hub in New Zealand. The circuit offers multiple configurations ranging from 1.3 km to 3.5 km layouts.

The Supercars Championship has raced in New Zealand since the early days of touring car racing. The series previously competed at Pukekohe Park Raceway and the Hamilton Street Circuit before expanding to include Taupo. The Taupo Super 440 adds another chapter to v8supercars racing in New Zealand and strengthens the championship's presence in the country.