The Track to Town event last year drew thousands of spectators.

Taupō is rumbling with the sound of big V8 engines today as a procession of Mustangs and Camaros make their way through town to herald the arrival of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship.

Last year, thousands of spectators lined the streets for the unique Track to Town event, with all 24 supercars and drivers taking part.

The full fleet of cars will leave Taupō International Motorsport Park at 3.45pm on Thursday, heading down Broadlands Road and Spa Road to Tapuaeharuru on Roberts St. They leave again at 5pm.

After that, it will be all action on the track, with five Kiwi drivers hoping to reward local fans at Taupō Motorsport Park, including Andre Heimgartner, who won the inaugural race at Taupō last year.

Kiwi Matt Payne will fancy his chances on home soil, as will fellow Kiwis Andre Heimgartner and Jaxon Evans from Brad Jones Racing, 2023 Bathurst 1000 winner Richie Stanaway, and sophomore hot shot Ryan Wood.

Taupō Mayor David Trewavas said the big message to locals was that town is still open, and easy to get around while the visitors were all out at the Motorsport Park.

With 80% of tickets pre-sold, there were still opportunities for locals to also get out and watch the action on the track.

The weather forecast is shaping up well for the weekend, unlike the first day of racing last year when it bucketed down, creating a spectacular crash off the start line of the first race.

Taupō motorists are being advised to plan around the event, especially if planning to head out down Broadlands Rd.

The stretch of Broadlands Rd past the Motorsport Park will be closed for periods of time between 7am and 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

**The Kiwi contingent vying for local honours at Taupō this weekend in the Repco Supercars Championship, from left are Richie Stanaway, Jaxon Evans, Ryan Wood, Andre Heimgartner and Matt Payne.**

The off-ramp on State Highway 1 / East Taupō Arterial to Broadlands Road will also be closed at times over the weekend, and drivers will need to exit at Centennial Drive instead.

The Taupō 440 event kicks off with two practise sessions on Friday and will feature three Supercars races: two 120km races on Saturday and one 200km contest on Sunday.

A Park & Ride service is available to Taupō International Motorsport Park, with buses running continuously from Kaimanawa Reserve and free for ticket holders.

Friday and Saturday sees the Pit Stop by the Lake which is free, with food, activities for children and family-friendly movies on the big screen with free showings of Cars on Friday and Turbo on Saturday, both at 5.30pm.