Kia ora koutou katoa — welcome to the ITM Taupō Super 440.
It’s our pleasure to be back in Taupō in 2026 as part of a historic Aotearoa New Zealand double header, bringing world class Supercars racing to two outstanding destinations. In a short time, Taupō has become an important and much valued stop on our calendar, with a demanding circuit set among some of New Zealand’s most remarkable scenery.
It also feeds off the passion of you, our great Kiwi fans.
This weekend also allows us to recognise New Zealand’s long and proud connection with our sport through the Jason Richards Trophy, honouring one of our great champions, whose influence is still strongly
Hon Louise Upston Minister for Tourism and Hospitality
felt. It’s equally fitting that Taupō shines a light on the next generation, with drivers such as Matt Payne and Ryan Wood continuing that Kiwi tradition on the Supercars stage.
On behalf of Supercars, I’d like to thank our valued partners — including ITM, Taupō District Council, New Zealand Major Events, Tourism New Zealand, and Sky Sport NZ — along with the Taupō community for their ongoing support. And to our fans, thank you for the passion and enthusiasm you bring to every event.
I hope you enjoy the racing, the destination, and everything that makes Taupō such a special place to go Supercars racing.
Ngā mihi nui, Barclay Nettlefold
Welcome from the New Zealand Government
I am delighted to welcome you to Taupō, the first stop of the historic Supercars New Zealand Double Header — two weekends of high‑octane racing, fierce competition and unforgettable moments for fans.
It is great to be here in Taupō, and I hope this year’s on‑track action lives up to the incredible racing fans have enjoyed here over the past two years.
I am proud that our Government is investing in this event through the Major Events Fund, and I know that major events like Supercars deliver real benefits for New Zealand. They boost international tourism, strengthen our global reputation and Brand New Zealand, and contribute to both local economies and national GDP.
With back‑to‑back weekends of Supercars action starting here in Taupō before heading to Christchurch, this event will deliver meaningful benefits for local communities — supporting tourism, hospitality and regional businesses, while creating memorable experiences for fans and visitors alike.
To our domestic and international visitors, whether you are travelling between events or attending just one round, I encourage you to
extend your stay and explore everything that makes Taupō and the surrounding regions a must‑visit destination.
Taupō has fabulous cafes and restaurants, breweries, local businesses and incredible geothermal wonders – do check these out over your time here.
The Supercars Double Header is designed not just as a racing spectacle, but as a reason to travel, explore and enjoy more of the country.
I would also like to thank all of you loyal fans whose passion and enthusiasm for motorsport have made Supercars one of the most popular events in New Zealand for 25 years.
Finally, I wish all competitors and crew taking part across the two weeks the very best — especially our New Zealand drivers Matthew Payne, Ryan Wood and André Heimgartner.
Let’s hope this year continues the strong tradition of success Kiwi drivers have enjoyed on home soil.
Thank you for being part of this milestone moment, and for helping showcase New Zealand on the international motorsport stage. Enjoy the race.
Barclay Nettlefold Chair & Interim CEO, Supercars
Welcome from Repco
Welcome to what is going to be one of the most wide open Repco Supercars Championship seasons in recent history.
Repco enters its sixth season as the naming rights holder, which has seen a period of much change, highlighted by the Gen3 regulations implemented at the beginning of 2023, the all new finals system last year, and in 2026, the emergence of a brand new player.
When the Supercars grid lines up in Sydney, Toyota enters the fray with five Supras – the first time that the all conquering Japanese brand will compete in Supercars.
On top of this, Triple Eight Race Engineering will return to the Ford camp, and a crop of fast young rookies will try to make their mark on the category.
Yeah ... there’s a lot to take in.
Reigning champion Chaz Mostert brings the #1 to Toyota, leading a five strong contingent of the highly anticipated Supras, split between Walkinshaw TWG Racing and Brad Jones Racing. It’s a bold new world for Mostert and the Toyota tribe, but if we know one thing about Toyota, it won’t settle for being second best for too long.
An expanded 14 round season begins under the bright lights at Sydney Motorsport Park and ends at the exciting bp Grand Final
in Adelaide.
The big change is that Supercars will race twice in New Zealand as part of a doubleheader, with Taupō joined by Ruapuna near Christchurch on the South Island.
These two New Zealand circuits join the likes of Hidden Valley, Wanneroo, The Bend and the prestigious Repco Bathurst 1000.
The on track Supercars action is what we all come for, and at Repco, we’re always aiming to go over and above for our fans. Look out for more cool fan initiatives at the circuit, including our famous fleet of cars.
And while we focus on the future with Supercars, you’ll see Repco tip its hat during the year to Sir Jack Brabham, who 60 years ago, won the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship. Powered by a Repco developed engine, Brabham became the first and, likely, last driver to win the title in a car bearing their own name.
Trying to predict a title winner out of 25 of the best drivers from this part of the world is tough, and the Finals format makes it almost impossible!
On behalf of every Repco crew member, we’ll be watching the Supercars season along with you because we have petrol in our veins and we can’t wait to catch up with you all at the track!
Welcome from the Taupō City Council
Welcome to the Taupō District for the 2026 ITM Taupō Super 440!
It is a real pleasure to welcome drivers, teams, officials, and visitors back to Taupō for one of New Zealand’s most exciting motorsport events. The ITM Taupō Super 440 has quickly become a highlight on our events calendar, and our community is proud to once again host this spectacular weekend at Taupō International Motorsport Park.
The Taupō District is a place where world class events meet world class landscapes. Beyond the thrill of the track, we invite you to take time to explore our district, from the majesty of Lake Taupō and the surrounding volcanic plateau, to our vibrant town centre, welcoming cafés, local retailers, and outdoor experiences. Whether you are here for the racing or staying a little longer, we hope you enjoy everything our region has to offer.
Taupō International Motorsport Park
continues to grow as a premier motorsport venue under the stewardship of Tony Quinn and his dedicated team, hosting events year round and attracting competitors and fans from across New Zealand and beyond. Hosting the ITM Taupō Super 440 again in 2026 reflects both the quality of the facility and the strong partnership behind this event.
I would like to acknowledge and thank Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tauhara hapū, along with Ngāti Tahu Ngāti Whaoa as tangata whenua, for their ongoing support. Their connection to this place underpins everything we do as a community.
On behalf of the Taupō District, I warmly welcome you to the 2026 ITM Taupō Super 440. Enjoy the racing, soak up the atmosphere, and experience the genuine hospitality that the Taupō District is known for. If you see me around town, please do say hello, and enjoy your time with us.
Wayne Bryant Chief Executive Officer Automotive Division, GPC Asia Pacific
John Funnell
Taupō City Council Mayor
Sara Johnson Chief Executive Officer ITM
Welcome from ITM
Welcome to the ITM Taupō Super 440.
Returning to Taupō for a third year is a proud moment for ITM. In a relatively short time, Taupō has become a place where fans, partners, and communities come together to celebrate world class motorsport in a uniquely New Zealand setting.
As naming rights partner, ITM is proud to continue its long standing relationship with Supercars. As a Co operative of more than 95 independently owned stores and 27 Frame and Truss manufacturing plants, events like this reflect who we are. Bringing people together, supporting our communities, and
creating memorable experiences around shared passions.
This year also signals an exciting evolution, with the introduction of the Toyota GR Supras adding fresh energy and new moments for fans to enjoy.
To the teams and drivers, thank you for being part of what continues to grow here in Taupō.
To our Kiwi drivers, you carry strong home support once again. And to the fans, enjoy the race weekend full of entertainment, atmosphere, and unforgettable Supercars action.
Supercars/Mark Horsburgh
The first-ever race at Taupō in 2024 started with a bang, when Tim Slade and Cam Waters tangled shortly after the start.
Friday 10 April
Saturday 11 April
Sunday 12 April
2026 ITM TAUPŌ SUPER 440
ULTRA SHIELD ULTRA SHIELDCERAMIC
BE RYCO READY
OFFICIAL FILTRATION PARTNER OF SUPERCARS
Ryco is proud to be the Official Filtration Partner of the Repco Supercars Championship.
Along with being engineered, developed, and tested at its Melbourne Laboratory, Ryco’s range of GEN3 Control Parts deliver outstanding filtration and extended engine life without compromising flow or performance.
So, when your everyday passenger, 4x4 or commercial vehicle needs the same protection as a Supercar, be Ryco Ready.
THESE ARE THE GEN3 SUPERCAR CONTROL PARTS
Technology proven in Supercars, available for your daily drive.
Z5000RP Fuel Filter Mustang & Camaro
Z160ST SynTec Oil Filter Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Supercar Air Filter Mustang & Camaro Z928ST SynTec Oil Filter Ford Mustang GT A5001R Ryco NanoCel Air Filter Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series NEW 4x4 AIR FILTER
GO ON GIVE IT A DRY.
Official Beer of Supercars
FUTURE STARS
A latest generation of Toyota GR86s is fostering the next crop of New Zealand’s rising motorsport talent.
As the cars line up for the sixth and final round of the Bridgestone GR86 Championship, the on track action tp date in 2025/'26 has been nothing short of epic.
Featuring the latest generation Toyota GR86 model, the formula fosters tight racing, allowing the future stars of the sport to shine.
The racing is fast and furious and showcases the very best of New Zealand’s rising talent and future Supercars heroes, and importantly, this weekend, they get to strut their stuff in front of the who’s who of the business.
Chris White comes into the season finale on top of the pops from Zach Blincoe and Hugo Allan.
Others in the front running mix will no doubt include Josh Bethune, Arthur Broughan, Ajay Giddy, Cooper Barnes, Lee Zeltwanger, Justin Allen and Harry Townshend.
With the field often covered by under one second in qualifying, the winner this weekend could come from any of the top 15
qualifiers.
The weekend format presents ample opportunities, too qualifying determines the grid for the first race, and then the top ten finishers in that hit out are reversed to form the front of the grid for the second.
The fastest times in races one and two are combined to form the grid for the feature race, meaning that even those down the order in either of the earlier races are still in 100 percent attack mode throughout.
The GR86 is purpose built for racing by the team at Toyota Gazoo Racing, with the
new model more refined in the handling department, while additional engine output has placed greater emphasis on a driver’s right foot control.
Now in its 13th season overall, the category continues to provide a level playing field, which remains within the financial reach of aspiring racers.
As Toyota makes its entrance into the Repco Supercars Championship, the marque now has a true pathway to the top.
Who will the future stars of the sport be? Keep watching this weekend to find out. ■
HEAVY METAL
The cars that made you fall in love with motorsport continue to thrill in the Central Muscle Ccars.
What started as a group of like minded enthusiasts all wanting to create a class catering to classic heavy metal from the 1960s and ‘70s, the NAPA Central Muscle Cars has become a fan favourite whenever they enter the racetrack.
Since 2003, the category has brought together both American and Australian muscle cars of the past, taking current day race fans on a walk down memory lane.
The Central Muscle Cars cater to production vehicles manufactured between 1958 and 1978, with a minimum production run of 1,000 identical units within a 12 month period.
The series is divided into two main groups, with Group 1 featuring highly modified muscle cars equipped with powerful engines, advanced suspension systems, and enhanced braking components.
Group 2, meanwhile, comprises vehicles that retain more of their original specifications, with a focus on authenticity and historical accuracy.
The ITM Taupō Super 440 marks the conclusion of the 2025/’26 season, which
has taken in events at Hampton, Timaru, Ruapuna and Manfield.
Coming into the weekend, ex Supercars driver Angus Fogg has a handy series lead in his fire breathing Ford Mustang, as he seeks his maide CMC title.
Andy Knight is currently second, ahead of Grant Crosby, Lance Hughes, Craig Boote,
In Group 2, Kayton Coughley tops Mark Stretton, David Robinson, Tony Galbraith and Ian Easton.
Get down to fences, you don’t want to miss this. ■
Nick Ross, Clarke Hopkins, Steve Noyer and Tristan Tecki, with Steve Scoles rounding out the top ten.
MODERN MUSCLE
It's the category that has taken the world by storm, with TA2 now taking over New Zealand, with big V8 muscle cars pouring on the action.
iinspired by the American Trans Am that rose to prominence in the 1960s, the current iteration of the New Zealand based TA2 Championsup pits Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros with Dodge Challenger body shapes, which sit over a control chassis paired with control componentry, in a true showcase of driver skill.
All TA2 cars are powered by a 6.2 litre, 525 horsepower V8 powerplant, which is capped at 6,500rpm, ensuring performance and longevity.
In other tech specs, power is sent to the rear wheels via a choice of 4 speed G Force
or Hollinger transmissions, with Wilwood providing the stopping power.
There is adjustability via the Hypercoil suspension and Penske shock absorbers, while, electrically, the cars are fitted with a Motec Dash.
And while comparisons with the Repco Supercars Championship are inevitable given the presence of Camaros and Mustangs, the emphasis on control, low tech, and low downforce cars differentiates TA2 from the current breed of Supercars.
This weekend, the season is wrapping up in Taupō, having raced at Hampton
Downs’ International and National Circuits, Teretonga, Highlands Motorsport Park and Manfield.
As it stands, a big title battle is set to play out between Caleb Byers and Dylan Grant, with Toby Elmiger also in the mix in third.
Jamie McDonald is currently fourth in the standings, while Peter Ward, in fifth, is the top placed Masters competitor.
Karl Gaines has advanced up the leaderboard recently, ahead of Elton Wichman, Mark Pitcher, Lance Gerlach and Leo Bult, who is in tenth.
If you love big bad V8s, get around the three TA2 NZ races this weekend. ■
OFFICIALS OF THE EVENT
NATIONAL SPORTING AUTHORITY
Motorsport New Zealand Inc
PROMOTER
Supercars Australia Pty Ltd
ORGANISER
Supercars Australia Pty Ltd
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Phil Shaw, Gary Lathrope, Rachael Murray, Craig Finlayson, Shanelle Barrett
SUPERCARS OFFICIALS
VCS STEWARDS
Trevor Newman (Chair), Peter Davis, Adam Simmons
VCS RACE DIRECTOR
James Taylor
VCS DEPUTY RACE DIRECTORS
David Stuart, David Mori
CLERK OF THE COURSE
Craig Finlayson
SECRETARY OF THE EVENT
Gary Lathrope, Rachael Murray
MEDICAL DELEGATE
Dr Carl Le
HEAD OF MOTORSPORT
Tim Edwards
STARTER
James Delzoppo
DRIVING STANDARDS ADVISOR
Craig Baird
TIMING CO-ORDINATOR
Alex Harkness
RECOVERY CO-ORDINATOR
Alistair Walker
MEDIA MANAGER
Matt Carmichael
SUPPORT EVENT OFFICIALS
ASSISTANT CLERK OF THE COURSE
Haylee Wallace, Gary Lathrope, Caitlin Day
SUPPORT CATEGORY STEWARDS
Martin Fine (Chair), Janet Phipps, Glenn Climo
RACE DIRECTORS
Haylee Wallace (TA2), Howard Atwill (GR86)
CHIEF COMMUNICATOR
Caitlin Day
CHIEF OBSERVER
Peter Ellis
COMPETITOR RELATIONS OFFICERS
Wendy Metcalfe, Louise McCoy
CHIEF TIMEKEEPER
Jacky Braid
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATOR
Steve Collier
COURSE CAR DRIVER
Paul Roberts
SUPPORT SAFETY CAR DRIVER
Brian Hamilton
SUPPORT SAFETY CAR OBSERVER
Judy Hamilton
CHIEF STARTER
Craig Olive
ASSISTANT STARTER
Paul Slight
CHIEF SCRUTINEER
John Wigston
DEPUTY SCRUTINEER
Dave Thomson
CHIEF MARSHAL
Vince Holub
DEPUTY CHIEF MARSHAL
Vijay Dheda
CHIEF OF RECOVERY
Ryan Turner
DEPUTY CHIEF OF RECOVERY
Peter Elliot
CHIEF FIRE MARSHAL
Dean Wills
DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE MARSHAL
Darryl Jackson
CHIEF PIT LANE & GRID MARSHAL
Adrian Bond & Greg Avison
DEPUTY CHIEF PIT LANE & GRID MARHSAL
David Burroughs, Helena Wilson
CHIEF PADDOCK MARSHAL
Paul Fallon
DEPUTY CHIEF PADDOCK MARSHAL
David Wicken
MEDICAL COORDINATOR
Neil Thistlethwaite
VOLUNTEERS
Richard Aldridge
Rob Andrews
Mark Armstrong
Karl Askew
Perdita Askham
Gregory Avison
Joel Baker
Shaun Baker
Geoffrey Bakes
Karen Barrow
Jess Batt
Jay Bauman
Tiaan Beukes
Mike Black
Adrian Bond
Gavin Bowater
Kylie Bowater
Jeff Brewer
Abby Calder
Jared Cameron
Stephen Christini
Roderick Clissold
Greg Coffey
Steve Collier
Rhys Cook
Gilbert Corin
Donald Crawford
Jerrod Crosman
Caitlin Day
Daniel De Lange
Helen Degarnham
Jaya Dheda
Uneal Dheda
Vijay Dheda
Craig Dobson
Lucas Dobson
Deborah DOYLE
Fred Dykes
Pete Ellis
Andrew Fargher
Alex Fenn
Carl Fenn
Richard Ferguson
Craig Finlayson
Alex Foster
Andrew Fraser
Cody Fraser
Shenay Fraser
Rohan Gambhire
Reaghan Garbutt
Gail Garlick
Colin Gibson
Richard Gladden
Chris Gray
Brendon Green
Jason Green
Les Green
Lorraine Green
Caleb Hamblyn
Brian Hamilton
Judy Hamilton
Jason Harris
Mitchell Haydon
Rowan Hirst
Jade Hodge
Vince Holub
Peter Honeyman
Boone Houghton
Ezra Hughes
Wayne Hughes
Darryl Jackson
Jodez Jackson
Tim Jackson
Trevor Jackson
Mark Jackways
Hokimoana Jerry
Lakshan Chamara
Karunarathna
Chris Kershaw
Kathy Lane
Peter Lane
Hamish Lester
Anthony Lewis
Gene Lewis-Clarke
Belinda Linton
Raphael Lochead
Stephen Lockhart
Robert Lovrich
Russell Mann
Rebecca Marsden
John Marsh
Bart Martyak
Sharon Maxwell
Louise Mccoy
Medow McKay
Peter McKinnon
Hunter McLean
Monique Metcalfe
Wendy Metcalfe
JJ Meyer
Catherine Mikkelsen
Joanne Moore
Emma Muir
Steve Muir
Colin Nyhane
Craig Olive
Prisha Patel
Oriana Paul
Tania Paul
Stephen Peach
Ben Perkins
Craig Perkins
Donald Platt
Jon-Patrick Playle
Troy Poppe
Blake Prujean
April Quinn
Ainsley Rawlings
Blair Richardson
Bruce Riley
Jason Robbertze
Paul Roberts
Scott Runciman
Pene Rye
Jess Sawyer
Jody Sawyer
Jason Schutt
Jessica Shand
Mikayla Sheffield
Tony Simmons
Lewis Slight
Jason Smith
Joshua Smith
Louise Smith
Peter Smith
Peter South
Graeme Spence
Richard Stephens
Matt Strang
Maree Sweeney
Ray Sweeney
Alan Symes
Caitlin Symes
Darryl Taylor
David Thompson
Dene Thorburn
Garry Tutton
Reuben Van Rooyen
Kaitlyn Vazey
Rex West
Chris Westerdaal
Greg Whan
Neil White
Flynn Whittaker
David Wicken
Alex Wilkinson
Zoe Wilkinson
Keith Williams
Ray Williams
Anne-Maree Willis
Helena Wilson
Kerry Wilson
James Winterbourne
Robb Wood
Melvin Yee
André Heimgartner proved a popular victor when he won the inaugural race at Taupō in 2024.
Supercars/ Mark Horsburgh
Enjoying this copy of V8 Sleuth Magazine? Make sure you don’t miss out on the next one ... and the next one ... and the ones after that! Subscribe for a year and you’ll get six issues sent to you with FREE postage in Australia. ONLY $79.95 FOR 6 ISSUES!
