Latest news with #ShaneHoward
1News
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
Supercars clutch New Zealand double-header for 2026
Supercars fans will be treated to a New Zealand double-header with a trip to Christchurch added for the 2026 championship and onwards. As reported by 1News last month, drivers will take their title hunt to Ruapuna Raceway in the touring car category's first visit to the South Island. The venue is located 15km west of Christchurch and will host Supercars events until at least the end of the 2028 season. Outgoing Supercars chief executive Shane Howard described the double-header as a dream come true, adding that New Zealand fans make up 20% of the sport's total audience. Ruapuna Raceway has become the first South Island track to host the showpiece event. (Source: 1News) "This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand," Howard said in a statement. "Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. "This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time. "We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar." Friday's announcement comes after a popular return to New Zealand in 2024. Taupō International Motorsport Park has hosted Supercars events with much success after fan favourite Pukehoke Park was converted to a thoroughbred racing track in 2022. More than 67,000 fans attended the inaugural Taupō event across three days, with Kiwi star Matt Payne collecting the coveted Jason Richards Memorial Trophy following two race wins this year. Taupō would also remain on the Supercars calendar until 2028.
NZ Autocar
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Supercars confirms Taupo and Christchurch race venues
South Island's Ruapuna will host the Repco Supercars Championship from 2026-2028 as part of a New Zealand double-header. The category locks in a two-event presence in both the North and South Islands from 2026-2028. It ensures Supercar racing will take place in Taupō and Christchurch over the next three years. The inclusion of Ruapuna Raceway is a milestone moment, the club-run venue now poised to shine on the international stage. Supercars CEO Shane Howard thanked the three major organisation involved for their support in making the vision a reality. 'This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand. 'We've always wanted to race in the South Island, and…that dream will become a reality from 2026,' Howard said. 'Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time. The addition of Ruapuna underscores Supercars' long-term commitment to New Zealand, currently home to five of the Championship's stars. Supercars can also confirm that racing will continue at Taupō International Motorsport Park until at least the end of 2028. Ruapuna Raceway will benefit from a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event. The community-led vision is to enhance sustainability, accessibility, and facilities, including track resurfacing. A rebuilt supporters' lounge is part of the plan. The Canterbury Car Club has already raised nearly $1 million toward the first stage of development. Its president, Lewis Low said: 'We're incredibly proud to see Ruapuna join the Supercars calendar. We couldn't be more excited to welcome Supercars to our home.' Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the news was a major win for local fans and for Christchurch's wider tourism economy. Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said: 'We're thrilled to see Taupō remain a key part of the Supercars Championship through to at least 2028. To see it grow into a two-week New Zealand celebration alongside Christchurch is fantastic for the whole country.' Tony Quinn, the owner of Taupō International Motorsport Park, said: 'Locking in Supercars until 2028 is a huge vote of confidence in what we've built at Taupō. 'From day one, we've wanted to make this one of the best motorsport experiences in the Southern Hemisphere, and Supercars has been a huge part of that vision. 'With Taupō and now Ruapuna on the calendar, New Zealand's motorsport scene is stepping onto the world stage like never before.' Organisers will announce the official name, ticketing details and supporting categories for the 2026 Ruapuna event in due course.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Supercars Confirms NZ Double Header – Ruapuna To Join Calendar
• Supercars to race double-header in New Zealand from 2026-2028 • Christchurch venue Ruapuna to host Supercars over next three years • Taupō circuit extends deal to keep racing on North Island until at least end of 2028 The Repco Supercars Championship will proudly bring racing to Christchurch from 2026, with Ruapuna Raceway set to host the first-ever Supercars event on New Zealand's South Island — part of a groundbreaking NZ double-header. The announcement marks a major moment for Supercars and Kiwi motorsport fans alike, as the category locks in a two-event presence in both the North and South Islands of Aotearoa from 2026- 2028, ensuring racing will take place in Taupō and Ōtautahi Christchurch over the next three years. The inclusion of Ruapuna Raceway is a milestone moment — a proud, club-run venue with deep local roots and a passionate motorsport community, now poised to shine on the international stage. Just 15km west of the city, Ruapuna Raceway will bring Supercars to Christchurch – a city steeped in motorsport culture, now ready for its biggest-ever event. Supercars CEO Shane Howard thanked the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Car Club for their tireless support in making the vision a reality. 'This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand. 'We've always wanted to race in the South Island, and thanks to the commitment of the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council and the incredible work of the Canterbury Car Club, that dream will become a reality from 2026,' Howard said. 'Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time. 'Since Supercars' first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country and we're thrilled to be bringing a second event to the country that makes up 20 per cent of our total audience. 'We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar.' The addition of Ruapuna underscores Supercars' long-term commitment to New Zealand – currently home to five of the Championship's brightest stars and some of its most dedicated fans. Following a sell-out return to New Zealand in 2024 at Taupō and the success of the 2025 event that saw kiwi Matt Payne win the coveted Jason Richards Memorial Trophy on home soil, Supercars can also confirm today that racing will continue at Taupō International Motorsport Park until at least the end of 2028. Ruapuna Raceway will benefit from a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event, with a community-led vision to enhance sustainability, accessibility, and facilities, including track resurfacing and a rebuilt supporters' lounge. New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said: 'For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and I'm thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year. 'I'm pleased that with this investment from our Major Events Fund, New Zealand's strong relationship with Supercars will continue in Taupo and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that brings.' The project is being driven by the Canterbury Car Club, who have already raised nearly $1 million toward the first stage of development. Canterbury Car Club President, Lewis Low said: 'We're incredibly proud to see Ruapuna join the Supercars calendar. '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.' 'Ruapuna has a proud grassroots heritage, and this investment will help us transform the venue into a world-class facility that can deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, teams and drivers alike.' Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger – a long-time supporter of bringing Supercars to the city – said the news was a major win for local fans and for Christchurch's wider tourism economy. 'This is a massive win for Christchurch,' the Mayor said. '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.' '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 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. Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said: 'We're thrilled to see Taupō remain a key part of the Supercars Championship through to at least 2028. 'The Supercars event has already proven to be a huge success for our community – it brings energy, visitors, and international attention to our district. To see it grow into a two-week New Zealand celebration alongside Christchurch is fantastic for the whole country.' 'We're proud to play our part in this trans-island motorsport moment, and we can't wait to keep welcoming fans and teams back to Taupō.' Tony Quinn (Owner, Taupō International Motorsport Park) said: 'Locking in Supercars until 2028 is a huge vote of confidence in what we've built at Taupō. 'From day one, we've wanted to make this one of the best motorsport experiences in the Southern Hemisphere, and Supercars has been a huge part of that vision. The feedback from fans, teams, and drivers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're only just getting started.' 'With Taupō and now Ruapuna on the calendar, New Zealand's motorsport scene is stepping onto the world stage like never before.' The addition of Ruapuna joins a proud list of New Zealand venues in Supercars history, alongside Pukekohe, Hamilton, and Taupō – and ensures the South Island finally gets its chance to play host to the world's premier touring car series. The full event name, ticketing details and supporting categories for the 2026 Ruapuna event will be announced in due course.
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
Christchurch to host Supercars in three-year NZ double-header
New Zealand will stage two Supercar rounds for the next three years after Christchurch was confirmed as the first-ever South Island venue. A revamped Ruapuna Raceway will host rounds of the Australasian touring car championship from 2026-28, along with Taupō, which has extended its deal for the same period. It will be the first time New Zealand has staged two rounds in the same season, with Supercars chief executive Shane Howard hailing the work of numerous bodies to bring racing to the club-run Ruapuna venue, 15km west of Christchurch. Howard said the government, Christchurch City Council's economic development agency and the Canterbury Car Club worked together to present a financially-sound vision. "This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand," Howard said. "Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time. "Since Supercars' first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country and we're thrilled to be bringing a second event to the country that makes up 20 per cent of our total audience. "We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar." Ruapuna Raceway will undergo a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event, including track resurfacing and a rebuilt supporters' lounge. Canterbury Car Club has already raised nearly $1 million toward the first stage of development. Club president, Lewis Low said he was proud the club had been added to the Supercars calendar. "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. "Ruapuna has a proud grassroots heritage, and this investment will help us transform the venue into a world-class facility that can deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, teams and drivers alike." Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the announcement was significant. "For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and I'm thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year," she said. "I'm pleased that with this investment from our Major Events Fund, New Zealand's strong relationship with Supercars will continue in Taupo and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that brings." Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger expected the event in Ruapuna would "inject millions into our local economy - from tourism and hospitality to local jobs and infrastructure". More than 67,000 fans were attracted to the event at Taupō International Motorsport Park last year, resulting in 22,000 visitor nights and $5.8 million in visitor spending. Taupō District mayor David Trewavas was delighted to receive confirmation for three more years. "The Supercars event has already proven to be a huge success for our community - it brings energy, visitors, and international attention to our district," Trewavas said. "To see it grow into a two-week New Zealand celebration alongside Christchurch is fantastic for the whole country."
NZ Herald
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Herald
Supercars locks in Taupō, adds Christchurch race at Ruapuna Raceway
'This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand,' Supercars chief executive Shane Howard said. 'We've always wanted to race in the South Island, and thanks to the commitment of the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council and the incredible work of the Canterbury Car Club, that dream will become a reality from 2026,' Howard said. 'Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. 'This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time. 'Since Supercars' first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country and we're thrilled to be bringing a second event to the country that makes up 20 per cent of our total audience. 'We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar.' The addition of Ruapuna underscores Supercars' long-term commitment to New Zealand – currently home to five of the Championship's brightest stars and some of its most dedicated fans. Following a sell-out return to New Zealand in 2024 at Taupō Motorsport Park the 2025 event saw Kiwi Matt Payne win the coveted Jason Richards Memorial Trophy on home soil. Ruapuna Raceway will benefit from a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event, with a community-led vision to enhance sustainability, accessibility, and facilities, including track resurfacing and a rebuilt supporters' lounge.
