Supercars at Ruapuna: A New Chapter for Christchurch Motorsports
I have a lot of friends who are into Formula 1. They wake up in the middle of the night to watch races around the world, dream of getting tickets to see it live in Australia, and are constantly revealing random trivia about Max Verstappen and other drivers I can’t remember the names of.
Personally, I’m not a car girl -- and I mean not at all. I failed my restricted twice. I’ve been in three car crashes (I wrote off my first car last year, RIP Carlos the Carolla). I open the bonnet sometimes to try and channel car energy but immediately shut it because I’m so equally confused and repulsed. So, when I got asked to be part of the rescue crew for a car race, I have no idea why I said yes.
The race in question was none other than the Supercars Championship, a touring car event with a massive fan base in Australia and New Zealand. The races take place in all Australian states and the Northen Territory, and the international round this year was held in New Zealand, with previous events being hosted by China, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The Supercars series is broadcast in 137 different countries.
This year, Ōtautahi hosted Supercars for the first time ever, following the cancellation of the racing in Taupō due to bad weather. The racing occurred at the Ruapuna racetrack over three days, with the Grand Final taking place on Sunday. Both Saturday and Sunday completely sold out and 65,806 people attended, making it the biggest crowd ever hosted at the track.
Ōtautahi Mayor Phil Mauger commented to Supercars, “This weekend has been amazing for our city and local motorsport community. Seeing all the fans come out to enjoy the racing at Ruapuna has been really special and the energy around town has been incredible. We are thrilled to give Supercars a home here in Christchurch and include this world class event in our calendar.”
From my spot in pit lane where I spent the day dutifully watching pit stops with my fire extinguisher, I witnessed the massive crowds of car fans and came to understand what racing and motorsport mean to people.
Mark Wederll, the General Manager of the Canterbury Car Club said “When all 24 cars roared away from the start line the first race on Friday, I had to fight back the tears. This was a moment in motor racing history I will never forget.”
“Knowing that it was a city-wide event made it even more special, going into town and seeing many businesses supporting the event, seeing the fan zone buzzing with enthusiastic fans, came a realisation that this was an event that would leave a positive impact on our city. Add to this the Super Round the weekend after at our new stadium, Te Kaha, Christchurch is becoming the events capital of New Zealand. So proud to be a Cantabrian right now”
He also noted what a big deal it is for an international car racing event to be held in Christchurch, mentioning it’s something fans never thought would happen. However, through a million dollar spend on circuit safety improvements and close collaboration with ChristchurchNZ, the City Council and the Government, they turned their “dreams into a reality”.
Despite not being a car fan, my day spent at the Supercars was truly special. Getting to witness a moment in Ōtautahi history and experience part of the biggest car championship in the Southern hemisphere alongside thousands of fans is something I will never forget. As I watched the winner of Friday’s grand finale, Matt Payne, crack open a bottle of champagne, I found myself wondering if I would be able to go to the next Supercars.
According to RNZ, “A revamped Ruapuna Raceway will host rounds of the Australasian touring car championship from 2026-28, along with Taupō, which has extended its deal for the same period.”
So, if you’re a car fan, or maybe just have a small interest in watching racing, I might see you at the 2027 Supercars, an incredible new addition to the Christchurch events calendar.
PHOTO: Diego Martinex, Pexels