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Taupō delights as locals and visitors enjoy Supercars weekend

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Another vibrant weekend in Taupō saw thousands of people watch the ITM Taupō Super 440 leg of the Repco Supercars Championship.

The sun shone over three days of hugely successful racing and events from Friday 11 April to Sunday 13 April. Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas is grateful for the support of everyone involved.

“Everywhere was buzzing with excitement, and I was pleased to meet so many people who spoke highly of our district. I’m sure they go home with magical memories. There was a special feeling to the event this year with so many locals involved promoting our rohe’s unique culture.

“The racing itself did not disappoint with plenty of high-speed action for the second year in a row. We can’t wait to welcome the event back again in 2026.”

A pōwhiri welcomed the Supercars family to the district on Thursday before the popular Track to Town event. Locals and visitors lined the streets of Taupō to see the Supercars in town at Te Ātea – Tapuaeharuru on Taupō's lakefront.

“It was an honour to see the welcome Supercars received and to have the community out supporting the event, checking out the cars and meeting the drivers,” Mr Trewavas said.

A crowd gathers around the ITM 400 Supercars along Taupō's lakefront

Fans line up at Te Ātea – Tapuaeharuru to see the Supercars in town.

Local artist Delani Brown created and hand-crafted the twelve trophies which were formally blessed and gifted to Supercars at a ceremony on Thursday.

“This year’s trophy represents navigational excellence and communication with the environment. It comes in the form of a niho taniwha (shark’s tooth) and is multi-faceted.

“From one angle it represents the front of a waka (canoe) and another angle the sail of a canoe. At the bottom is a pattern that represents Taupō Moana, and at the top a pattern that represents Ngā Kahui Maunga, with special mention to Mt Tauhara.”

Mr Trewavas presented the trophies to Supercars race winners and was proud to give the drivers a unique piece of local culture to take home.

“I sincerely thank the local hapū, iwi, and Delani for providing these taonga. They are so much more than trophies. The care and work that has gone into them is astounding.”

Delani Brown, artist works on a trophy sketch with two completed trophies and one partially finished rests beside him. The trophies are hand carved from wood and represent niho taniwha or shark teeth.

Delani with his conceptual artwork and models for the Supercars trophies for 2025.

Local artist Tyree Wall sang the national anthem prior to the final race on Sunday, which was warmly welcomed by everyone watching.

“He’s a local lad with an amazing voice and a huge future ahead of him. Having Tyree perform the national anthem to close out the racing was fantastic to hear.”

Mr Trewavas recognised the economic impact and the excitement on the racetrack was matched off it, with the district full of visitors.

“Local businesses and people all did a superb job and Supercars brought everything they had. I want to make a special mention to the volunteers who yet again turned out in force to make this a special time. I can’t wait to do it all over again next year!”

The ITM Taupō Super 440 will return in 2026.

Three young boys look on at a red supercar with black and white markings drives past on the track.

Tens of thousands attended the Taupō International Motorsport Park for the 2025 ITM Taupō Super 440 over Friday 11 to Sunday 13 April 2025.

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