Taupo

Taupō is a permanent road course situated in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island that briefly flickered on the international stage thanks to the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. That nation-versus-nation single-seater series included a January stopover at Taupō for three years from 2007-09. Emerging talent Nico Hülkenberg won both races for Germany that first year and Jonny Reid raised local cheer with success in Race 2 in 2008. The original 0.869-mile circuit was opened in 1959 which was extended in 2006 at a cost on NZ$13m. It was renamed Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park in November 2015 but reverted to its previous identity when acquired by Tony Quinn in November 2021. Quinn also owns Hampton Downs and Highlands Motorsports Park.