After a long awaited trip across the Tasman Sea and down the North Island to of Taupō, Supercars action is finally set to begin at the ITM Taupō Super 440. It marks the official start of the first-ever ITM New Zealand Double Header, an unprecedented format featuring back-to-back race events scheduled initially in Taupō, and then moving to the inaugural ITM Christchurch Super 440 next weekend in the south. In total, there will be six Supercars races scheduled over the coming days, creating what is described as a motorsport paradise for dedicated Kiwi Supercars fans and the visiting Australian supporters.
The innovative ITM New Zealand Double Header format will give prominent Kiwi drivers Andre Heimgartner, Matt Payne, and Ryan Wood double the chance to secure a coveted victory on home soil. However, they will face a formidable challenge from a pack of 21 Australian competitors. This Australian contingent is led by current championship leader Brodie Kostecki, who is firmly focused and fighting for a road win in New Zealand. The three local Kiwi drivers and Kostecki spoke to the media today at Taupō International Motorsport Park, as crucial event preparations continue to heat up ahead of the green flag.
Looking at past performance, the local contingent has a strong track record at this venue. Heimgartner and Payne have both successfully won races in Taupō previously. Adding to the local threat, Wellington native Wood picked up his first career podium finish at last year’s event at the very same circuit. Reigning 2025 Repco Supercars Champion Chaz Mostert, who was a popular figure as always during pre-event festivities, has heaped significant praise on his rising star teammate Wood.
Mostert actively credits Wood’s rapid speed on the circuit for boosting the Walkinshaw TWG Racing squad straight into championship contention during the 2025 season. It was during that season that the 34-year-old Mostert ultimately claimed the championship title on Grand Final day. Adding another layer of excitement for fans this weekend, the Walkinshaw TWG Racing duo have also debuted the brand new Toyota GR Supra Supercar this year. In a major milestone for the manufacturer, five Toyota GR Supras in total are set to hit the track, featuring in their first-ever event on New Zealand soil this weekend.
The manufacturer battles will be intense, especially with recent shifts in team alliances. Team 18 driver Anton De Pasquale has already proven himself as a race winner in the 2026 season. He recently brushed off thoughts from the media regarding the team looking to silence their critics. This scrutiny comes as Team 18 formally takes up the critical status as the lead Chevrolet team on the grid. This promotion follows the major defection of powerhouse squad Triple Eight, who made the high-profile switch to Ford this year.
Before the serious racing begins, the Championship arrived in style with the massive return of Track to Town. This highly popular pre-event spectacle saw the entire 24-car Supercars grid drive directly from Taupō International Motorsport Park straight into the Taupō CBD. Throngs of enthusiastic fans welcomed the entire field to town. This free-to-the-public event culminated in an all-driver signing session held right on the picturesque shores of Lake Taupō on a stunning afternoon. [Information missing on exact day of Track to Town as sources conflict on yesterday versus today]. Wood drew his own large pack of dedicated supporters during the event, while De Pasquale was notably gracious for the warm welcome that he and the 21 Australian drivers received from the New Zealand public.
A major focal point of the double header is the emotional battle for the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy. The driver who scores the most cumulative points across both the Taupō and Christchurch events will be awarded this special honour. The trophy is named in memory of beloved Kiwi driver Jason Richards, who tragically succumbed to cancer in 2011. De Pasquale proudly won the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy in 2024, while Payne secured the JR Trophy in 2025. Heimgartner has also been incredibly close to claiming the prize, having twice finished second in the running.
The on-track schedule promises relentless action for the fans in attendance and watching from home. [Information missing on exact practice schedule as sources conflict on today versus tomorrow]. Friday practice sessions will be followed by two intense 120-kilometre races on Saturday. The weekend will then conclude with one gruelling 200-kilometre race on Sunday. For those unable to make it to the track, live broadcast coverage of the ITM Taupō Super 440 can be found on Kayo and Foxtel for viewers in Australia, and on Sky Sport for fans in New Zealand.
All the Supercars, Action kicks off today 11am on the East Coast of Australia
