Supercars confirms New Zealand double-header from 2026 on the North and South Islands

For the first time in over a decade, Supercars will hold two international races, with a double header confirmed from 2026. Click for details.

Supercars will hold two championship rounds internationally for the first time in 13 years next season with a double-header in New Zealand locked in for a “two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport”.

In a boost to its international footprint, Supercars has confirmed it will race a double-header across the ditch for the next three years.

The South Island’s Ruapuna Raceway in Christchurch will join the championship alongside Taupo, which has extended its deal to host Supercars until at least the end of 2028.

It will be the first time New Zealand has hosted two rounds in a season and the first time the series has raced on the South Island.

Supercars has not held two rounds internationally for championship points since 2013 when it raced in Austin, in the United States, and Auckland.

New Zealand driver Matt Payne won in Taupo this year. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

The series has yet to settle on dates for the New Zealand double-header, saying it had a “few options on the table”.

Supercars hopes to build on its supporter base in New Zealand with five Kiwi drivers – Matt Payne, Andre Heimgartner, Richie Stanaway, Ryan Wood and Jaxon Evans – currently racing in the series.

“We’ve always wanted to race in the South Island,” Supercars chief executive Shane Howard said.

“Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential.

“Since Supercars’ first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country and we’re thrilled to be bringing a second event to the country that makes up 20 per cent of our total audience.

“We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar.”

NZ is set to host the double header. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

Ruapuna will become the fourth circuit to host a Supercars round in New Zealand after the Hamilton street circuit, Pukekohe and Taupo.

The Christchurch track will undergo a “multimillion dollar” upgrade ahead of the event next year, including track resurfacing.

Racing returned to New Zealand at Taupo last season following a one-year absence after motorsport events at Pukekohe Raceway came to an end.