Supercars has confirmed its 2027 championship calendar, locking in a return to New Zealand for another double-header in May 2027. The announcement follows the success of the inaugural ITM New Zealand event, with the series slated to visit Ruapuna Raceway in Christchurch from May 7–9, followed by Taupō International Motorsport Park from May 14–16.
The schedule shift moves the New Zealand rounds from their previous April slot to May. This adjustment accommodates the Australian Grand Prix, which takes place from April 1–4, 2027, and serves as the third round of the season. Supercars executive chairman and interim CEO Barclay Nettlefold stated that flipping the order of the two New Zealand events—with Christchurch now hosting the first round—will simplify vehicle transport to Australia and take advantage of cooler South Island weather heading into winter.
A Proven Success in New Zealand
The 2026 inaugural leg proved a massive draw, with a combined crowd of 95,368 attending the two events despite the cancellation of Sunday’s races in Taupō due to Cyclone Vaianu. Kiwi drivers also enjoyed significant success during the tour, with Wellington’s Ryan Wood and Auckland’s Matt Payne both picking up race wins. Following Christchurch’s debut, Mayor Phil Mauger said the inaugural event had exceeded expectations, remarking, Having Supercars in Christchurch was fantastic.
Economic Impact of the New Zealand Rounds
Supercars reported that the inaugural double-header generated $21.4 million in combined domestic and international visitor expenditure, with approximately 3,000 international visitors attending the races and accounting for over 34,000 visitor nights across the country.
Through the Major Events Fund, overseen by the Ministry of Business and Innovation, $6.9 million has been committed to secure the races over a three-year period. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston noted that the funding provides exposure in key tourism markets, helping to drive economic growth in the host regions of Christchurch and Taupō.
Calendar Changes for the 30th Anniversary Season
The 2027 season will feature 14 rounds, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the championship. While the New Zealand dates are set, Supercars has not disclosed specific details regarding the updated Teams Racing Charter or the financial arrangements that underpin the calendar.
Supercars Officials Explain the New Zealand Event Schedule
Why was the order of the New Zealand events swapped for 2027?
Supercars officials stated that swapping the order of the Christchurch and Taupō rounds serves logistical planning for transporting cars back to Australia after the Grand Prix and aligns with preferred weather conditions in the South Island.
How long is Supercars committed to racing in New Zealand?
Under the current agreement, Supercars is scheduled to race in Christchurch and Taupō through at least 2028.
What happens if the 2027 calendar faces further scheduling pressure?
While Supercars has finalized the 14-round schedule, the organization successfully navigated internal debates regarding the number of events, though the specific nature of the binding agreements reached with teams remains undisclosed.
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