Christchurch to host second New Zealand Supercars race in 2026

Friday, 23 May 2025

Grove Racing driver Matt Payne in action in Taupo, on 12 April, 2025.

The Supercars Championship has confirmed it will race in Christchurch for the first time in 2026, with Ruapuna Raceway named as the newest venue in a landmark move for New Zealand motorsport.

The club-run circuit, located 15km west of Christchurch city, will become the first South Island host in the championship’s history.

Kiwi engineering maestros Ross and Jimmy Stone, formerly of Stone Brothers Racing, talk about the restoration of Russell Ingall's 2005 championship-winning car.

The addition creates a New Zealand double-header, with events confirmed for both Taupō and Christchurch through to 2028.

Supercars said the announcement highlighted a growing commitment to Kiwi fans and reinforced the country’s significance to the series, which has attracted more than 2.3 million spectators since first racing here in 2001.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard credited the support of the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council, and the Canterbury Car Club for enabling the expansion.

“Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential,” Howard said.

A Supercars race at Taupō International Motorsport Park in 2024.

The Ruapuna upgrade will be funded in part by a nearly $1 million contribution already raised by the Canterbury Car Club, and will include resurfacing, improved sustainability features and a new supporters’ lounge.

New Zealand Tourism Minister Louise Upston called the investment “an important showcase opportunity” for the country, while Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger hailed it as “a massive win” for the city’s economy and events calendar.

Taupō will continue to host Supercars events until at least the end of 2028, following the success of the 2024 and 2025 races.

The full event name, support categories, and ticketing for the 2026 Ruapuna event will be announced later.