Five drivers originating from New Zealand are contesting this year’s Repco Supercars Championship and will return home for the fourth weekend of the season as Taupo International Motorsport Park makes its maiden appearance on the calendar.
Andre Heimgartner, Richie Stanaway, Matt Payne alongside rookies Jason Evans and Ryan Wood will aim to mark themselves as their nation’s new hero following the departure of Shane van Gisbergen to NASCAR in addition to Scott McLaughlin.
Penrite Racing duo Payne and Stanaway were joined by Wood of Walkinshaw Andretti United’s in surveying the Taupo layout and the tourism spots located near the facility.
Stanaway as reigning Peter Brock Trophy winner for taking victory in the Repco Bathurst 1000 alongside van Gisbergen has bought the prestigious prize across the ditch and will travel to Mount Maunganui for a public event.
Bungee jumping and hiking was on the cards this week for a the five drivers as all experienced major attractions around Taupo, with Evans one to jump from a great height.
“It’s exciting to not only be a Kiwi in the Supercars Championship, but to have a home race,” Evans said.
“Very close to some of my family’s home is exciting and I think it’s going to be a great event. It’s just awesome that we have the opportunity to come back to New Zealand.
“I’m really looking forward to just trying to find my feet here, get comfortable and really settle into the role that I’ve taken as a main game driver here in the Supercars Championship and obviously excited to be racing in New Zealand.
“I’ve always been watching from afar. It’s quite difficult with the time zone differences and things like that.
“But you know, always seeing how hyped up and how big the New Zealand events are, not only New Zealand events, but obviously the Australian ones.
“I think that the crowd really gets behind it, and I’m excited to be part of that show, and especially have some home support, so I think it’ll be great.”
The importance on a home race for the New Zealanders was realised after Pukekohe’s closure following the 2022 season and the Repco Supercars Championship making a return is highly anticipated.
