Speedcafe<\/a>.<\/p>\n\u201cSo that\u2019s her Project 29. It\u2019s maybe a tall order, I don\u2019t know, but there is a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the V8s are in a good place. I think that if James (Warburton, Supercars CEO) can get permission and get some wind in his sails, I think he\u2019ll do a far, far better job than has been done in the last five to 10 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m all about supporting people that want to do shit, so Josie\u2019s working on that one. That\u2019s Josie\u2019s Project 29.\u201d<\/p>\n
Quinn praised Spillane for her persistence and passion, crediting her with keeping the dream alive.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NRG_Josie_Tony_Lead-1024x683.jpg\")
Tony Quinn (left), Liam Sceats and Josie Spillane. Image: MSNZ<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s putting out there, she\u2019s telling you fair and square that that\u2019s what she wants to do. So we\u2019ll see,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Before any potential switch in 2029, Supercars is set to make history with its first-ever South Island event at Ruapuna Raceway, west of Christchurch.<\/p>\n
The Kiwi double-header kicks off at Taupo International Motorsport Park on 10\u201312 April 2026, before heading south to Ruapuna on 17\u201319 April 2026.<\/p>\n
In preparation, Ruapuna is undergoing a significant transformation. The community-run venue has launched a long-term rejuvenation project designed to elevate its facilities to international standards.<\/p>\n
The upgrades include:<\/p>\n
Track resurfacing and kerb adjustments<\/p>\n
Drainage improvements<\/p>\n
Updated flag point lights and cameras<\/p>\n
Rebuild the supporter\u2019s lounge<\/p>\n
Expanded control tower with upgraded race control technology<\/p>\n
New changing rooms and toilet facilities<\/p>\n
A major highlight will be the relocation of pit lane garages, with new purpose-built structures, additional corporate suites, and spectator viewing platforms. Even the children\u2019s playground will be modernised to ensure the venue remains family-friendly.<\/p>\n
Ruapuna\u2019s addition to the Supercars calendar marks a watershed moment for the series and New Zealand motorsport.<\/p>\n
Just 15 kilometres from Christchurch\u2019s city centre, the circuit has long been a hub for grassroots racing. Now, it will host the country\u2019s biggest motorsport event, cementing its place on the international stage.<\/p>\n
Whether \u201cProject 29\u201d sees Highlands take the reins after Ruapuna\u2019s three-year run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle to bring Supercars to the South Island has only just begun.<\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Supercars-Saturday-18-1024x629.jpg\")
Taupo Supercars 2025. Image: Jessica Barnes \/ Blissful Photography<\/p>\n