The countdown is on for Christchurch to make motorsport history, with the city preparing to host the first-ever Supercars Championship round in the South Island at Euromarque Motorsport Park next year.
While the official announcement was made weeks ago, momentum is growing on the ground as the Canterbury Car Club beginspreparations for what is being described as a transformative event for the city.
Canterbury Car Club General Manager Mark Wederell said his team is still “absolutely fizzing” as the scale of the opportunity becomes clearer.
“This is the greatest news we could have hoped for,” Wederell said. “The level of interest from the motorsport community and the public has been incredible. This will change the face of racing in the South Island.”
Wederell said the track, long a staple of South Island motorsport, will undergo a series of upgrades to meet Supercars’ specifications.
“We’ve got a staged upgrade plan, and the timing works. This is more than a race, it’s a legacy investment for the future of motorsport in the region.”
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the event will bring a huge boost to the city’s economy.
“This is amazing for our hotels, our restaurants, and our businesses,” he said. “It’s not just motorsport fans who’ll benefit. Supercars brings in a massive travelling crowd, and they’ll all need places to stay, eat, and explore.”
Wederell said “the event will be held at the Ruapuna-based Euromarque Motorsport Park, which will become a high-profile stop on the Supercars calendar. For Christchurch, a city with deep motorsport roots, this marks a major milestone. While the North Island has long hosted major rounds, this is the first time the South Island has secured a place in the championship.
Supercars is one of Australasia’s most-watched motorsport events, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans and international attention. Wederell said securing the event was the result of years of behind-the-scenes effort and strong collaboration with city leaders.
“We’ve had enormous support from the mayor and the council. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible,” he said.
The economic impact is expected to be significant, with thousands of visitors predicted to travel to Christchurch for the event. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and tourism businesses are all preparing for the influx.
While the track is currently quiet, behind the scenes, excitement is building as plans take shape and infrastructure upgrades get underway.
“This is something the South Island has never seen before,” Wederell said. “There’s nothing like it. We’re ready to show the country what Christchurch is capable of.”
