‘Not a spare seat in the house’ at Taup¯o round
TAUPO: ¯ The screech of Supercars is set to return to New Zealand, as a plethora of petrolheads descend on Taupo¯ for this weekend’s inaugural event.
The multimilliondollar shipment of 24 Supercars has made its journey south from Auckland for the 21st Championship round to be held in New Zealand. Taupo¯ International Motorsport Park owner Tony Quinn said the weekend marks the return of Supercars to New Zealand after more than a year’s absence.
‘‘We’re back,’’ he said. Grandstand and general admission tickets have sold out for today and tomorrow, and Quinn hoped it would help secure the future of Supercars in Taupo¯.
‘‘It’s a well known fact that motorsport in general in New Zealand is a very highly supported sport and they haven’t been here for a year or so and there’s not a spare seat in the house.’’
Quinn said this was indicative of a country crying out for some Supercars action.
Locals were greeted by the drivers on Thursday afternoon as the V8s roared through the Taupo¯ town centre.
‘‘The preparations have been going on for months, and that’s the thing that a lot of people don’t fully understand . . . it’s not just a weekend — it’s six months in the making.’’
Quinn said the track will provide a unique challenge.
‘‘A lot of them have been here for a day just driving a Mazda MX5 or Toyota 86 around and I haven’t heard anybody complain about it. Obviously it’s not a track that they all know.’’
Taupo¯ is the third venue in New Zealand to host a Supercars round, with the first held at Pukekohe in 2001.
Auckland hosted Supercars to 2007 before picking it up again in 2013 and bidding farewell in 2022.
Hamilton held championship rounds between 2008 and 2012.
New Zealand has a rich history in Supercars, producing four champions — Jim Richards, Shane van Gisbergen, Scott McLaughlin and Robbie Francevic.
Reigning Bathurst champion Richie Stanaway is one of five Kiwis racing this weekend, and he said winning on home soil would be almost on par with winning Bathurst.
‘‘As a New Zealander, getting the opportunity to race back at home once a year gives us a chance to feel what it’s like for all the Australian drivers who get to race at home on all the other rounds, so it’s something that we really appreciate.’’
Having only recently returned to the series, Stanaway said the unknowns of the Taupo¯ track evened the playing field.
‘‘Noone’s raced at Taupo¯ before, so I’m looking forward to that clean slate for everyone.’’
Both he and fellow Kiwi teammate Matt Payne will run special silver fern liveries on their Mustangs this weekend.
Supercars COO Tim Watsford said the anticipation in the town was palpable.
‘‘The uptake and interest in our firstever event in Taupo¯ has been incredible. The response to this event has been overwhelming, and we are beyond excited for what will be a very special inaugural ITM Taupo¯ Super400.’’
Joining Stanaway and Payne as the Kiwi contingent will also be Andre Heimgartner, Ryan Wood and Jaxon Evans.
Defending Supercars Champion Brodie Kostecki will also be one to watch, after missing the opening two rounds of the year.
Meanwhile, 2017 Bathurst 1000 Champion David Reynolds will make his 200th career round start.
Ontrack action at the Taupo¯ Super400 will see two 200km races today and tomorrow.