Taupō’s super weekend

The sound of big V8’s drew thousands into the Taupō CBD last week.

It was the result everyone wanted on the weekend, with sunny weather, good crowds and a Kiwi win in the Taupō leg of the Supercars Championship.

Kiwi Matt Payne won the racing and the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, and while the crowd wasn’t quite on a par with last year, the carnival atmosphere at the track and in town meant Taupō also won big.

Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas says everywhere was “buzzing with excitement” for the ITM Taupō Super 440 leg of the Repco Supercars Championship.

“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.”

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.

Local artist Delani Brown hand-crafted the 12 trophies which were formally blessed and given 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 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.”

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

Trewavas made special mention of the volunteers who “yet again turned out in force to make this a special time”.

The ITM Taupō Super 440 will return in 2026.