Supercars teams and drivers are jetting across the Tasman today as preparations ramp up for the 2025 ITM Taupō Super440, the third round of the Repco Supercars Championship. Set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand’s central North Island, the Taupō International Motorsport Park will once again host the pinnacle of Aussie touring car racing for its highly anticipated second visit.
For Kiwi fans, it’s more than just another race weekend — it’s a homecoming.
All eyes will be on Matt Payne, who returns to home soil with a point to prove. The fast and focused Kiwi, hailing from Pukekohe and a childhood friend of Formula One talent Liam Lawson, is one of five New Zealanders on the Supercars grid this season. He’ll be joined by fellow countrymen Andre Heimgartner and Jaxon Evans from Brad Jones Racing, 2023 Bathurst 1000 winner Richie Stanaway, and rising star Ryan Wood.
Last year, Payne made headlines by clinching his first Supercars pole position at Taupō, showing immense speed on a track he knows well. But the podium just eluded him on race day — a result he’s surely eager to rectify in front of his home crowd.
This weekend also marks a milestone pairing in the sport’s history books. Payne and Kai Allen, both driving for Grove Racing, are the youngest teammate duo in Supercars since 2007. At just 19, Allen is a South Australian prodigy tipped for greatness — and he’s already made a strong impression in his rookie campaign.
A 2023 Super2 Series champion, Allen is yet to post a breakout result in the main game, but he’s been turning heads with his pace. He made his first visit to New Zealand last month, taking the opportunity to get acquainted with the 3.2-kilometre Taupō circuit by cutting laps in a Toyota 86.
Now, with practice under his belt and the hype building, Allen looks to make his mark on Kiwi turf.
A Jam-Packed Race Weekend
Fans are in for a full-throttle spectacle with three Supercars races on the card — two 120-kilometre sprints on Saturday followed by a 200-kilometre showdown on Sunday. It’s a format designed to reward consistency and precision across the weekend, with drivers battling not just for silverware but for pride and championship points.
At the heart of the weekend lies the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, awarded to the driver who scores the most points across all three races. Named in honour of the late Kiwi Supercars racer and Brad Jones Racing star, the trophy serves as a powerful tribute to one of New Zealand’s most beloved motorsport figures.
Track to Town Returns: Up Close with the Stars
One of the most unique features of the Taupō round returns this week — the Track to Town fan event. After a memorable debut in 2024, the full 24-car field will again drive from the circuit into the Taupō CBD, offering fans a rare opportunity to get up close with the drivers and machines of Supercars.
This year’s Track to Town kicks off at 3:45 p.m. NZST on Thursday, with a full-field signing session from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the shores of Lake Taupō. Afterwards, the cars will make their way back to the circuit to prepare for Friday’s on-track action.
It’s a special experience that blends motorsport with community, and for many Kiwi fans, it’s the perfect start to a weekend of high-octane entertainment.
Championship Stakes Rising
As the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship starts to take shape, Taupō marks a critical juncture in the season. With familiar faces, fresh rivalries, and a passionate home crowd ready to cheer on their own, this round has all the makings of a classic.
Fans can catch the action live across the ditch on Foxtel in Australia and Sky Sport in New Zealand, with live streaming available via Kayo. Tickets and corporate hospitality for the April 11–13 event are available now at Supercars.com and Ticketek NZ.
