Supercars announces New Zealand return
https://www.speedcafe.com/2023/08/21/su ... nd-return/For the first time since 2000, pandemic-affected years aside, Supercars is not racing on the other side of the Tasman in 2023, following the somewhat sudden closure of Pukekohe.
The championship has agreed to a three-year deal with the New Zealand Government via the Major Events Fund, plus support from Taupo District Council, meaning an event at the Tony Quinn-owned Taupo circuit at least through 2026.
A date for next year’s stop in Aotearoa is set to be confirmed in coming weeks, although Quinn previously nominated April and October as likely, and Speedcafe believes the former to be particularly so.
The Taupo International Circuit layout. Image: Taupo International Motorsport Park
What has been locked in is the use of the 3.32km International Circuit layout, one of four at Taupo, which is located in the centre of the North Island.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard 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.
Taupo International Motorsport Park features a three-storey pit lane complex, with 32 pit garages and first floor corporate suites within the Race Control complex.
It will become the third track in New Zealand to host championship points-paying Supercars event, following Pukekohe Park Raceway in two different iterations as well as the Hamilton Street Circuit.
Hampton Downs was also listed on the 2020 calendar as a replacement for Pukekohe but had to be dropped due to COVID travel restrictions, while the Wellington Street Circuit saw a non-championship event in 1996.