Taupō was transformed into a festival of horsepower on Thursday, as thousands of passionate Kiwi fans lined the streets to welcome the Repco Supercars Championship field into town. In a spectacle that has quickly become a highlight of the New Zealand leg of the series, the annual Track to Town event once again proved that motorsport holds a special place in the hearts of locals and travellers alike.
With the ITM Taupō Super440 set to ignite the Taupō International Motorsport Park from Friday, the town’s CBD was buzzing with energy as all 24 Supercars made their way from the track into the heart of the city. The parade, which saw drivers waving from their machines, is more than a pre-race ritual—it’s a celebration of the sport’s deep connection with its fans.
This weekend marks only the second time Supercars has raced at the picturesque Taupō circuit, but it’s already earned its place as a favourite. The build-up has been electric, and with three days of high-speed action on the cards, there’s no shortage of anticipation.
Red Bull’s Will Brown arrives in Taupō as the man to beat. The defending Supercars Champion, who claimed a race win at this venue in 2024, leads the standings by a slender seven-point margin over Ford front-runner Cam Waters. After two rounds of hard-fought racing, the pair headline a stacked field ready to battle for one of the most meaningful prizes of the season.
At stake this weekend is the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, awarded to the driver who accumulates the most points across all three races. Named in honour of the late Kiwi driver, the trophy carries emotional weight for fans and competitors alike. Richards, who passed away from cancer in 2011, remains a beloved figure in New Zealand motorsport history.
The weekend schedule is built for drama. Friday, April 11, kicks off with two practice sessions, with opening practice set to begin at 12:10pm local time. Saturday’s action heats up with a pair of 120km races, Races 8 and 9 of the season, with grid positions determined through two knockout Boost Mobile Qualifying sessions.
Sunday brings the marquee event: a 200km race that will conclude the ITM Taupō Super440. The final day also features the Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout, which will shape the starting grid and no doubt add a layer of strategic intensity.
With the Supercars circus now fully set up in Taupō, the spotlight is firmly on the drivers to deliver. The fanfare has been raucous, and the Track to Town event stands as proof that New Zealanders have once again embraced the sport with open arms.
As fans settle in for a weekend of high-octane action, the question remains: can Will Brown extend his lead and secure the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, or will Cam Waters and company mount a comeback on Kiwi soil?
