Ruapuna Set to Host Second Supercars Round in New Zealand
By Andrew Clarke
Date posted: 12 April 2025
Speculation is mounting that Christchurch’s Ruapuna Motorsport Park will be confirmed as the venue for the Repco Supercars Championship’s second New Zealand round, potentially as early as 2026 if the track owners can upgrade facilities in time.
Although Supercars has yet to make an official announcement, multiple sources suggest a multi-year deal has already been signed with the Canterbury-based circuit, edging out the previously favoured Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell. As reported by Auto Action in January 2025, Ruapuna emerged as a strong candidate thanks to its robust bid, which included backing from ChristchurchNZ and local authorities eager to secure a marquee motorsport event for the South Island’s largest city.
Ruapuna’s key advantage lies in its proximity to Christchurch—just 20 minutes from the city centre—and its established motorsport infrastructure. These factors have reportedly tipped the scales in its favour, especially as Central Otago, where Highlands is located, is not currently seeking further tourism stimulus and has shown less urgency in pursuing the Supercars opportunity. Concerns around travel access and government funding have also contributed to Cromwell’s diminished chances.
Toyota 86s queue up to get onto the Ruapuna track. Image: Supplied
Ruapuna, officially known as Euromarque Motorsport Park, is a permanent road racing facility with a rich history in New Zealand motorsport. Its 3.3-kilometre clockwise layout features a mix of high-speed corners, technical sections, and overtaking zones—including a long front straight leading into the fast-opening Castrol Curve. The circuit also includes a tight southern hairpin and a challenging esses section, making it suitable for competitive racing across various categories.
Already a mainstay on the national motorsport calendar, Ruapuna hosts events like the New Zealand Touring Cars, the South Island Endurance Series, and the popular Skope Classic. The venue boasts full support facilities, including paddock garages, a race control tower, media spaces and hospitality suites—making it a turnkey venue for an international championship like Supercars.
While an official confirmation is still pending, all signs point to Ruapuna becoming the new South Island home of Supercars, expanding the category’s New Zealand footprint beyond its successful return to Taupō.
Various track layouts for Ruapuna Park. Image: https://www.ruapuna.co.nz/
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