Christchurch Supercars race ‘dream come true’
Friday, 23 May 2025
Christchurch businesses and car club are rejoicing at the announcement news the city will host the Supercars Championship in 2026.
It will race in Christchurch as a South Island-first in 2026 at Ruapuna Raceway.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for us to show we are the best in New Zealand. We have got a great hospitality offering. It’s really exciting. We can showcase the great city we have got,” Christchurch Central City Business Association chairperson Annabel Turley said.
The event is expected to mirror the success of Taupō, which attracted more than 67,000 fans in 2024 and injected millions into the local economy, including 22,000 visitor nights and $5.8 million in visitor spending.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger hailed it as “a massive win” for the city’s economy and events calendar.
Self-confessed car nut Mauger mooted digging up Ruapuna Park and rebuilding it in the hope of bringing Supercars to Christchurch.
“Securing a Supercars event puts our city firmly on the international events map and will inject millions into our local economy — from tourism and hospitality to local jobs and infrastructure. It will help showcase the innovation and cutting edge technology that is a key part of our city,” he said.
“Christchurch has long been a city of motorsport lovers, and now we finally have the world-class event we’ve been waiting for. I can’t wait to see the streets come alive when Supercars come to town.”
The Ruapuna upgrade will be funded in part by a nearly $1 million contribution already raised by the Canterbury Car Club, and would include resurfacing, improved sustainability features and a new supporters’ lounge.
Canterbury Car Club president Lewis Low said the club was incredibly proud.
“This is a dream come true for our club and for motorsport fans right across the South Island. It’s the result of years of hard work from our dedicated volunteers and supporters, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Supercars to our home.”
He said the investment would help transform the venue into a world-class facility.
New Zealand Tourism Minister Louise Upston the Supercars Championship events had showcased “our beautiful country” to an international audience.
“I’m thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year,” Tourism she said.
The Government was investing $5.9 million from the Major Events Fund for the next three years.
“This means international – and domestic – visitors can attend back-to-back rounds across consecutive weekends in Taupō and Christchurch, allowing them to extend their stay and enjoy more of what New Zealand has to offer,” she said.
“It was fantastic to be part of the estimated 50,000 strong crowd at the recent ITM Supercars440 event in Taupō. The place was buzzing with people in town to enjoy one of the most popular Trans-Tasman motorsport events.
The 2024 event generated invaluable exposure in key tourism markets with a total broadcast reach of 246 million, including 3.9 million in Australia.
Supercars Ltd 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.
Chief executive 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,” he said.