The Repco Supercars Championship heads south to Christchurch this weekend for the second leg of the ITM New Zealand Double Header. Following a historic event in Taupō, Ruapuna Raceway will host Supercars for the very first time.
The event schedule has seen a major adjustment following the cancellation of Sunday’s 120-kilometre race in Taupō, which was cut due to the impending arrival of Cyclone Vaianu. In a unique twist, 22-year-old Kiwi driver Ryan Wood suggested rescheduling the cancelled race to Friday in Christchurch. Originally slated to feature only two 25-minute practice sessions, Friday’s programme will now include a 120-kilometre race.
Fans at Ruapuna will witness a total of four races over the weekend: one 120-kilometre race on Friday, two 120-kilometre races on Saturday, and a 200-kilometre race on Sunday.
Wood arrives in Christchurch carrying incredible momentum. He secured his first win on home soil during Saturday’s 200-kilometre race in Taupō, marking a sensational first victory for Toyota in just its ninth Supercars race.
The Christchurch event will also determine the winner of the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, awarded to the driver with the most points across both New Zealand events. The trophy honours beloved Kiwi driver Jason Richards, who succumbed to cancer in 2011. Wood currently leads Broc Feeney in the battle for the trophy with four races remaining.
In the overall championship standings, Brodie Kostecki maintains the lead over Feeney and reigning Bathurst 1000-winning Kiwi Matt Payne.
Live coverage of the ITM Christchurch Super 440 will be broadcast on Kayo and Foxtel in Australia, and Sky Sport in New Zealand. Tickets and corporate hospitality options are available via Supercars.com and Ticketek NZ.
