Motorsport enthusiasts, get ready! The 2025 ITM Taupō Super 440 is set to ignite Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend from April 11 to 13, promising a weekend brimming with high-octane action and entertainment.
The excitement for this weekend is building as the entire fleet of 24 Supercars, along with their essential equipment, has arrived at Taupō International Motorsport Park.
This significant logistical operation involved transporting approximately 240 tonnes of equipment, valued at $40 million, across the Tasman Sea.
Following the recent Melbourne Grand Prix, teams had a swift turnaround to service and pack their cars and gear. Each two-car team meticulously loaded their race cars, spare engines, transaxles, and wheels into single 40-foot containers, ensuring compliance with New Zealand’s stringent biosecurity regulations.
Supercars Logistics Manager Jason Routley praised the collaborative effort, stating,
“We must say well done to the teams for turning around their cars and equipment quickly after the Grand Prix to prepare for the journey.”
With all cars and equipment now in place, teams are making final preparations for the race weekend, ensuring everything is set for the thrilling competition ahead.
The traditional ‘ Track to Town ‘ event will kick off the festivities on Thursday, April 10, bringing the excitement directly to the heart of Taupō.
Schedule:
- 3:45 PM: Supercars depart Taupō International Motorsport Park.
- Route: The convoy will travel along Broadlands Road, onto Tauhara Road, turn onto Spa Road, continue onto Tongariro Street, and finally turn onto Roberts Street, arriving at the live site.
- 4:00 – 4:50 PM: Free autograph session with drivers at the Roberts Street live site.
- 5:00 PM: Supercars depart the live site to return to the circuit.
- 5:15 PM: Supercars arrive back at Taupō International Motorsport Park.
Fans are encouraged to line the streets along the route to capture the Supercars in action against the stunning backdrop of Taupō before arriving at Tapuaeharuru on the lakefront near the #LoveTaupō sign in the town centre.
This event provides an excellent opportunity for fans to interact with their favourite drivers and teams before the weekend’s racing action.
Support Categories Spotlight:
This year’s event boasts a stellar lineup of support classes:
- Central Muscle Cars: Showcasing classic muscle cars’ raw power and nostalgia.
- Toyota GR86 Championship: The final round will crown the 2025 Toyota GR86 Champion, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition.
- Super V8s: Featuring thunderous V8 machines that promise exhilarating races.
Race Schedule:
The 2025 ITM Taupō Super 440 promises a packed weekend of racing action. Below is the detailed schedule:
Friday, April 11:
- 8:54 AM: Public Gates Open
- 9:40 AM – 10:00 AM: Tours & Pit Lane Walk
- 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Super V8s Practice 1
- 10:40 AM – 11:00 AM: Toyota 86 Practice 1
- 11:10 AM – 11:30 AM: Central Muscle Cars Practice
- 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Supercars Practice 1
- 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM: Super V8s Practice 2
- 12:55 PM – 1:10 PM: Entertainment – On Track Activity
- 1:20 PM – 1:40 PM: Toyota 86 Practice 2
- 1:55 PM – 2:15 PM: Central Muscle Cars Qualifying
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Supercars Practice 2
- 3:10 PM – 3:30 PM: Super V8S Qualifying
- 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM: Toyota 86 Qualifying
- 4:10 PM: Central Muscle Cars Race 1
Saturday, April 12:
- 9:20 AM – 9:45 AM: Safety and Course Car Tours & Pit Lane Walk
- 9:50 AM – 10:10 AM: Super V8s – Race 1
- 10:25 AM – 10:55 AM: Supercars – Qualifying for Race 8
- 11:05 AM – 11:35 AM: Supercars – Qualifying for Race 9
- 11:40 AM – 11:55 AM: On Track Activity – Jet Car Fire Show
- 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM: Toyota 86 – Race 1
- 12:50 PM: Supercars – Race 8 (120km)
- 2:10 PM – 2:25 PM: On Track Activity – Jet Car Fire Show
- 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM: Super V8s – Race 2
- 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM: Central Muscle Cars – Race 2
- 4:05 PM: Supercars – Race 9 (120km)
Sunday, April 13:
- 8:50 AM – 9:10 AM: Promoter – Safety and Course Car Tours & Pit Lane Walk
- 9:25 AM – 9:45 AM: Toyota 86 – Race 2
- 9:55 AM – 10:25 AM: Central Muscle Cars – Race 3
- 10:35 AM – 11:05 AM: Supercars – Qualifying for Race 10
- 11:20 AM – 11:40 AM: Toyota 86 – Race 3
- 11:50 AM – 12.05 PM: On Track Activity – Drivers Parade
- 12:15 PM – 12:35 PM: Super V8s – Race 3
- 12:50 PM – 1:30 PM: Supercars – Boost Mobile TTSO Race 10
- 1:35 PM – 1:50 PM: Entertainment – On Track Activity
- 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM: Central Muscle Cars – Race 4
- 3:05 PM: Supercars – Race 10 (200km)
All times are in New Zealand Standard Time (NZST).
Please note that schedules are subject to change. Refer to the official Supercars website or event communications for the most up-to-date information.
Kiwi Drivers to Watch:
New Zealand’s own Andre Heimgartner is a standout contender, having narrowly missed clinching the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy last year. His familiarity with the Taupō circuit and determination make him a firm favourite. Additionally, keep an eye on fellow Kiwi drivers who are sure to leverage their home advantage to vie for top honours – Ryan Wood, Jaxon Evans, Richie Stanaway, Matt Payne.
Jaxon Evans is riding a wave of momentum heading into this weekend’s ITM Taupō Super 440. Partnering with Elliott Schutte, Evans clinched a thrilling victory in the GT World Challenge Australia season opener at Phillip Island last weekend. The duo, driving the Arise Racing GT Ferrari 296 GT3, led from the start, with Evans fending off a late charge from Jayden Ojeda to secure the win by a mere 0.2593 seconds.
This recent success underscores Evans’ exceptional form and adaptability across racing disciplines. His experience in high-pressure scenarios, like the intense battle at Phillip Island, positions him as a formidable contender in the Supercars field.
Fans can look forward to Evans bringing this competitive edge to the tracks of Taupō, where his recent performance suggests he’s well-prepared to make a significant impact.
Matt Payne enters this weekend as the top Kiwi in the 2025 Supercars driver standings in 6th place with 318 points, ahead of Andre Heimgartner in 11th place with 244 points. Ryan Wood is behind in 12th place with 208 points, Jaxon Evans in 18th place with 155 points, and Richie Stanaway in 23rd place with 110 points.
Jason Richards Memorial Trophy:
In 2024, Anton De Pasquale secured the prestigious Jason Richards Memorial Trophy after a series of consistent performances. The competition is fierce this year, with local heroes and international stars aiming to etch their names on the trophy.
Ticket Information:
Good news for fans: General Admission and Grandstand tickets are still available. Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of General Admission or the premium views from the Grandstands, there’s an option to suit every preference. Given the event’s popularity, securing your tickets promptly is advisable.
Weather Forecast:
Unlike last year, you can anticipate pleasant autumn weather in Taupō for this weekend:
- Thursday, April 10: Sunny to partly cloudy, High: 18°C, Low: 8°C
- Friday, April 11: A couple of morning showers; otherwise, mostly cloudy, High: 17°C, Low: 8°C
- Saturday, April 12: Sunshine, High: 19°C, Low: 9°C
- Sunday, April 13: Pleasant with sunshine and a few clouds. High: 21°C, Low: 8°C
Tip: While the forecast is favourable, it’s always wise to prepare for variable conditions by bringing layers and rain gear.
Off-Track Entertainment and Activities:
Beyond the thrilling races, the event offers a plethora of activities:
- Driver Signing Sessions: Meet your favourite Supercars drivers in Taupō town on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM. There are various other driver/team signing sessions throughout the weekend.
- Merchandise Stalls: Grab official team gear and memorabilia to commemorate the event.
- Supercars Simulator Challenge: Test your racing skills in state-of-the-art simulators and see how you stack up against the pros.
- Helicopter Rides: Experience the circuit from the sky with scenic helicopter flights available throughout the weekend.
- Jet Car Fire Show: Don’t miss the spectacular jet car fire shows on Saturday—a visual and auditory feast.
- Drivers Parade: Wave to the stars of the show during the Drivers Parade on Sunday morning, a fan-favorite tradition.
Getting There:
Taupō International Motorsport Park is conveniently accessible, with ample parking and shuttle services from central Taupō. Plan your journey in advance to ensure a smooth experience.
The 2025 ITM Taupō Super 440 promises an unforgettable weekend of racing and entertainment. Whether you’re a die-hard motorsport fan or seeking a thrilling weekend getaway, this event has something for everyone. Secure your tickets, prepare for an action-packed experience, and get ready to witness motorsport at its finest in the heart of New Zealand.
Header Image: Mark Horsburgh, Edge Photography
