After months of anticipation, it’s being reported that Christchurch has secured its spot as New Zealand’s second Supercars destination. Ruapuna Motorsport Park has reportedly signed a multi-year deal to host the event starting next year.
Since the news made headlines on 1News online and on the 6pm TV bulletin, Ruapuna (Euromarque Motorsport Park) has made a statement on their social media.
“I know lots of you got excited with last night’s news. Unfortunately, a decision around Supercars coming to the South Island has not been made. All parties involved are working hard in the background. As soon as a decision has been made, we will share the news here.”
Official Statement from ChristchurchNZ/Supercars:
“Christchurch has submitted a bid to host the Supercars Championship and we look forward to hearing official notice from Supercars on their preferred venue. Along with the Canterbury Car Club, we await the outcome in the near future.”.
1News revealed, although no official announcement from Supercars has been made, that Ruapuna, located near Christchurch’s international airport on the city’s western edge, was selected due to its strategic location and the strength of the city’s accommodation and hospitality offerings.
Funding is also said to be a decisive factor.
Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell is also in the running, but reports suggest the Government is hesitant to inject additional funding into Central Otago, given Queenstown’s existing tourism appeal so was reportedly turned away.
Ruapuna’s inaugural Supercars round is reported to run in conjunction with the Taupō event, which is confirmed on the calendar through to 2026.
An official announcement from Supercars is believed to be just around the corner but for now, all eyes are on Ruapuna.
Header Image: Jessica Barnes / Blissful Photography
Original announcement by: 1News
Brilliant
Saves us all going over to Bathurst.
When is going to happen next year so I can get ready