Supercars has cancelled the final race of the Taupō round due to the looming cyclone on the North Island.

Follow 1News’ live updates as Cyclone Vaianu approaches

The third race of the weekend had been moved forward on Sunday in a bid to beat the deteriorating weather conditions.

But with Cyclone Vaianu expected to make landfall earlier than expected, Supercars have cancelled all racing on Sunday.

The third race at Taupō, and 10th of the season, will now go ahead next weekend in the historic round in Christchurch.

“This is an unprecedented situation that has never occurred in the history of the Supercars Championship,” interim Supercars boss Barclay Nettlefold said.

“It’s very disappointing to see a weather event of this scale disrupt what we had hoped would be an exciting final day of racing.

The location of Cycline Vaianu on Saturday Morning.

“We deeply regret the impact this cancellation has on our fans who have travelled to Taupō to be part of this event.

“But a cyclone of this intensity leaves no other option, and the safety of everyone at the circuit has to come first.

“We’re delighted to be in a position to make it up to fans and all our partners by adding a race to the Christchurch event.”

Conditions were close to perfect on Friday as local hero Ryan Wood topped practice two, but the weather is set to dramatically change later on Saturday.

To deal with extreme winds and rain, Supercars officials dramatically altered the schedule.

The two races on Saturday have been brought forward by 30 minutes, with the top-10 shootout axed from the program.

The main race of the weekend – 60 laps and 200kms – has been shifted from Sunday to take place on Saturday afternoon.

Resurgent championship leader Brodie Kostecki will start on pole for the first race on Saturday, while Wood secured the fastest qualifying time for the second.