'); }); AU / NZ America Europe/UK Membership Login News Events Women in Sport Summit Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership News Australia / New Zealand Events Conferences Awards Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership Topics Brands Media & Broadcast Olympic Sponsorship Sports Tech Women’s Sport Show More Topics >> Sports Australian Rules Basketball Cricket Netball Rugby League Soccer (Football) Show More Sports >> Login Membership Home > Events > Supercars Records Historic Attendance at Inaugural Christchurch Super 440 Events, Fan Engagement 3 min read Supercars Records Historic Attendance at Inaugural Christchurch Super 440 Written by MOS Editorial Team Published on 21 April 2026 Supercars has announced a record-breaking attendance of 65,806 for the inaugural ITM Christchurch Super 440, marking the largest event ever held at Ruapuna Raceway. The three-day carnival, which concluded on 19 April 2026, represented a triumphant debut for the Repco Supercars Championship on New Zealand’s South Island, following a multi-year effort to bring the category to the region. The weekend saw a total sell-out for both Saturday and Sunday, while Friday’s attendance exceeded expectations due to a revised schedule. Following the unprecedented cancellation of the Sunday session at the ITM Taupō Super 440 due to the impact of Cyclone Vaianu, Supercars officials relocated Race 10 to the Friday in Christchurch. This adjustment created the first-ever “triple-threat” race weekend in the South Island, contributing to a combined ITM NZ Double Header attendance of 95,368. Expressing satisfaction with the local reception, Supercars chair and interim chief executive, Barclay Nettlefold, said: “The passion, devotion and knowledge of the fans here at Ruapuna has blown us away.” “ A South Island race has been a long time coming and we thank everyone who came here over these special three days for bringing it to life. “We’re working closely with our hosts, the Canterbury Car Club , to make this experience even bigger and better next ye ar,” Nettlefold said. Highlighting the event’s significant contribution to the local economy and motorsport culture, Christchurch Mayor, Phil Mauger, added: “This weekend has been amazing for our city and local motorsport community.” “We are thrilled to give Supercars a home here in Christchurch and include this world-class event in our calendar,” Mauger said. The racing mirrored the intensity of the crowd, with local and international stars sharing the podium: The prestigious Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, awarded to the driver who accumulated the most points across both the Taupō and Christchurch rounds, was claimed by Broc Feeney (Triple Eight Race Engineering). Feeney’s consistency across the New Zealand fortnight secured him the points lead as the championship returns to Australia. The Repco Supercars Championship will now return to Australia for the Tyrepower Tasmania Super 440, scheduled for 22–24 May 2026. Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today! . Lionel Messi has further solidified his status as North America’s premier commercial draw,... Touch Football Australia, in conjunction with Destination NSW and the City of Coffs... The Moana Pasifika Board has confirmed the franchise will be disbanded at the... Join the most engaged community in the Sports Business World. Get all the latest news, insights, data, education and event updates. Your MVP in the Business of Sport. We play the game to add value to the Sports Business industry by delivering News, Insights, Education and Events. Join the most engaged community in the sports business world. Want to be part of the team? Subscribe for free to join today! Copyright © 2026 | Ministry of Sport | All Rights Reserved.
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: ministryofsport.com