The 2025 ITM Taupō Super440 is set to deliver an exhilarating motorsport spectacle from April 11-13 at Taupō International Motorsport Park. Among the highlights is the inclusion of the Super V8 class as a support category, promising fans a weekend brimming with high-octane action.
The Super V8 class unites various V8 racing categories, including NZ V8 Touring Cars, TA2, and Tranzam cars, creating a diverse and competitive field. This amalgamation not only enhances the racing experience but also showcases the rich tapestry of V8 machinery. The decision to feature the Super V8s comes after the TCR Australia Series withdrew from its slot, with Supercars opting to replace it with this local powerhouse category.
Diverse Driver Line-Up:
The Super V8 class boasts an impressive roster of drivers, each bringing unique skills and backgrounds to the track:
- Andrew Turner: TA2 Ford Mustang
- Nick Ross: Nissan TLX
- Tim Edgell: Commodore SuperTourer
- Angus Fogg: Ford Mustang
- George Sheweiry Jnr: Tranzam Quale Mangusta
- Nick Chester: VZ Commodore Supercar
- Mark Pitcher: TA2 Dodge Challenger
- Scott Pye: Toyota Camry TLX
- Ryan Jarmey: Tranzam Chev Corvette
- Maurice Shapley: TA2 Dodge Challenger
- Mark Mallard: Ford Falcon TL
- Waka Nathan: Commodore SuperTourer
- John De Veth: Commodore SuperTourer
- Ayrton Hodson: TA2 Chev Camaro
- Brady Wild: Commodore SuperTourer
- Connor Adam: TA2 Ford Mustang
- Rob Wallace: Commodore SuperTourer
- Karl Gains: TA2 Chev Camaro
- Peter Ward: TA2 Chev Camaro
- Jamie McDonald: TA2 Chev Camaro
- Grant Brennan: Tranzam Chev Corvette
- Kerry Jones: Tranzam Chev Corvette
- Brad Coxhead: Tranzam Chev Corvette
- Amie Roberts: TA2 Chev Camaro
Spotlight on Notable Entrants:
- Angus Fogg: A seasoned veteran in New Zealand motorsport, Fogg has a storied career with multiple championship titles. His expertise and experience make him a formidable contender in the Ford Mustang.
- Scott Pye: Transitioning from the Supercars Championship, Pye brings a wealth of experience to the Super V8 class. Piloting the Toyota Camry TLX, his participation adds a competitive edge and draws significant attention to the event.
- Ayrton Hodson: As an emerging talent, Hodson’s entry into the Super V8 class is highly anticipated. Driving John Robert’s TA2 Chevrolet Camaro for Roberts Racing, he represents the new wave of drivers eager to make their mark on the motorsport scene.
- Amie Roberts: The sole female driver on the grid, Roberts is a distinguished figure in New Zealand motorsport. Transitioning from a successful motocross career, where she secured multiple national titles, Roberts has demonstrated her versatility and determination. Notably, she finished runner-up at the New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix in the Senior Women’s Class. Her return to competitive racing further exemplifies her resilience after recovering from ACL surgery and embracing motherhood. In the TA2 Trans-Tasman Challenge, Roberts showcased her adaptability by finishing 11th in only her second TA2 race meeting, underscoring her potential in circuit racing. Her participation in the Super V8 class not only adds diversity to the field but also serves as an inspiration, highlighting the growing presence and impact of women in motorsport.
In the lead-up to the 2025 ITM Taupō Super440, Supercars drivers Nick Percat and Cameron Hill participated in Super V8 testing sessions at Taupō International Motorsport Park. Both drivers showcased impressive adaptability, recording lap times in the low 1:31 range while piloting a TA2 Ford Mustang.
Nick Percat, known for his consistent performances in the Supercars Championship, demonstrated his versatility by quickly adapting to the TA2 machinery and the nuances of the Taupō circuit. Similarly, Cameron Hill, who has been making notable strides in his Supercars career, leveraged his experience to extract competitive lap times during the testing sessions.
These testing sessions provided both drivers with valuable seat time ahead of the upcoming event, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the track’s characteristics and the performance dynamics of the TA2 vehicles. Their participation not only underscores the significance of the Super V8 class but also highlights the collaborative efforts between Supercars and support categories to elevate the overall competitiveness and appeal of the event.
Schedule of Events
The Super V8 class will have a robust presence throughout the Super440 weekend. Their schedule is as follows:
Friday, April 11:
- 10:35 AM – 10:55 AM: Practice 1
- 12:55 PM – 1:15 PM: Practice 2
- 3:35 PM – 3:55 PM: Qualifying
Saturday, April 12:
- 9:50 AM – 10:10 AM: Race 1
- 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM: Race 2
Sunday, April 13:
- 12:15 PM – 12:35 PM: Race 3
These sessions promise to deliver high-octane action, with drivers pushing their V8 machines to the limits on the fast and flowing Taupō circuit.
The extended weather forecast shows fine weather for Friday, Saturday, and most of Sunday, with some rain forecast to hit Taupō after midday Sunday. The forecast could easily change leading up to the event, so keep an eye on it and prepare for rain on Sunday afternoon for the final races.
A Weekend of Motorsport Extravaganza:
The 2025 ITM Taupō Super440 marks Supercars’ return to New Zealand. It features the new Super440 format: two 120-km races on Saturday followed by a 200-km feature race on Sunday.
Including the Super V8 class as a support category enriches the event’s appeal, offering fans a diverse and thrilling motorsport experience. Attendees can look forward to witnessing a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents battling it out in powerful V8 machines, ensuring an unforgettable weekend of racing action.
Header Image: Jessica Barnes / Blissful Photography
