Could Christchurch host second Supercars event?

Tuesday, 7 January 2025

Christchurch could host the first ever Supercars event in the South Island, with upgrades to Ruapuna Raceway under way and the city’s economic development agency confirming it is in talks with organisers.

The trans-Tasman motorsport series is returning to Taupō in April, but The Press understands Supercars is considering holding two events in 2026 - the second being at either Ruapuna Raceway or Cromwell’s Highlands Motorsport Park.

Although the deal is far from done, Ali Adams, ChristchurchNZ’s chief executive, said in preparation there had been a review of the Canterbury Car Club facilities.

Lewis Low, Canterbury Car Club President, said the track was being upgraded to ensure it was capable of hosting an international event, but could not comment beyond confirming his organisation was involved in discussions.

Supercars was also tight-lipped about the potential event, but a spokesperson said the sell-out inaugural Taupō event last year - as well as having five Kiwi drivers on the current Supercars grid - proved how keen the Aotearoa fanbase was for more events.

It was also no secret that Barclay Nettlefold, head of the Supercars board, was interested in a double-header in New Zealand.

In a podcast interview with The Rock last year, he said there was a business case for doing back-to-back events in New Zealand.

The Press understands securing government funding for a second event would be essential, but not only did the ITM Taupō Super 400 receive $2 million from the Government’s major events fund in 2024, it was later heralded as “an excellent example” of the impact major events can have on the local economy.

That investment turned into $5.8m being collectively spent by the 3000 international visitors, who stayed in New Zealand for 22,000 nights in total, according to fund manager Kylie Green.

The fund, administered through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, was also behind securing the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the women’s Rugby World Cup.

While Ruapuna would have the advantage of being in Aotearoa’s second largest city, Cromwell would offer the event a picturesque backdrop and could be popular for its access to Queenstown, some 60km away.

The next Supercars season starts with The Sydney 500 from February 21-23.

In late 2023, The Press revealed that Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger was pushing ahead with a private project to dig up Ruapuna Park and rebuild it in the hope of attracting Supercars.

At the time, he said the gravel extracted from the site could go towards building a redesigned raceway. His mining permit was approved in April 2023, but Mauger explained it was submitted in 2021 on behalf of Mauger’s Mining.

Mauger stepped down as a director of Mauger’s Mining later in 2021, after his daughter Brittany Mauger became a director and he announced his mayoral campaign.

He said he would be a full-time mayor and relinquished his positions from his other companies.

Mauger is on holiday and unavailable to comment.