New Zealand’s Highlands Motorsport Park could join Supercars calendar in 2026

After a 12-month hiatus, Supercars returned to New Zealand in April this year for the Taupō Super400. And now a second race could soon be added across the ditch.

New Zealand could soon host a second Supercars Championship round after key stakeholders met to discuss Highlands Motorsport Park joining the calendar from 2026.

Central Otago District Council convened on Wednesday to table the prospect of the popular motor racing circuit in Cromwell hosting a Supercars round in the near future.

After a 12-month hiatus the category returned to New Zealand in April this year for the Taupō Super400 which is contracted to remain on the Supercars calendar to the end of 2026.

It is understood the prospective Highlands round would be an addition to the calendar and not considered to replace the Taupō event.

The likes of three-time Supercars Championship winner Shane van Gisbergen and Formula One star Liam Lawson are among a host of household names who have cut their teeth at the South Island precinct.

Will Brown and Broc Feeney compete in the Taupo Super400. Picture: Getty

Highlands Motorsport Park CEO Josie Spillane boldly declared the venue had “the potential to host one of the most iconic events on the Supercars calendar”.

“Its unique location and outstanding facilities make it an exceptional contender for a Supercars event and we are confident it would deliver an unforgettable experience,” Spillane said.

“We have already opened up viewing areas, the track has been given a tick of approval and we have consent in place to make it all happen.

“Obviously there is a journey and many more steps to go through, but I am confident that New Zealanders would love to see a Supercars race at Highlands … and we are committed to absolutely playing our part to make it happen.”

Will Brown celebrates winning 2024 ITM Taupo Super400.

A Supercars spokesman said the category was “constantly pursuing and evaluating opportunities to expand the sport’s reach, both in Australia and abroad.”

“New Zealand is home to an avid motorsport fan base, as evidence by the sellout success of the inaugural ITM Taupō Super400 this past April and no less than five Kiwi drivers on the current Supercars grid,” the spokesman said.

“There has been great interest among our stakeholders and supporters in a second Supercars event (in New Zealand) which we will continue to explore alongside our ongoing efforts to sustain and grow the success of our event in Taupō.”

Originally published as New Zealand’s Highlands Motorsport Park could join Supercars calendar in 2026