Wellington Secures Hosting Rights for 2027 Race of Champions at Hnry Stadium

New Zealand’s capital will welcome international motorsport royalty with the Race of Champions (ROC) making its national debut at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on 9–10 January 2027.

Backed by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and delivered in partnership with WellingtonNZ, the event will transform the venue turf into a purpose-built tarmac race circuit. By pitting elite drivers from Formula 1, World Rally Championship, and Supercars head-to-head in identical machinery, the event anchors a major tourism drawcard for the regional summer calendar.

The initial driver roster features four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, ten-time F1 race winner Valtteri Bottas, 2025 Supercars Champion Chaz Mostert, and New Zealand rally star Hayden Paddon. The commercial significance of securing the property underscores the nation’s rising status in international motorsport administration.

Reflecting on the milestone, WRC driver Hayden Paddon, emphasised the broader national impact of the upcoming event.

“It’s amazing to see one of the world’s most spectacular motorsport events come to New Zealand for the first time ever.

“New Zealand is really in a golden age of Motorsport at the moment across so many disciplines and I can’t think of a more fitting celebration of this than Hosting the Race Of Champions that attracts so many of the biggest stars from all around the world.

“This is really a once and a lifetime opportunity for Kiwi motorsport fans to get up close and personal with drivers from F1, WRC, circuit and other Motorsport forms, all battling it out in equal machinery inside one of NZ’s most famous sports stadiums.

“It’s really a historic event for so many reasons and I’m personally incredibly proud to be a part of it.”

Expressing his enthusiasm, Supercars star, Chaz Mostert, added: “I’m honoured to be invited back to ROC in 2027. It was so cool to be a last minute edition for 2025.”

“I got to rub shoulders with some of the best race car drivers from around the world and the event was so much fun.

“Huge thank you to Fredrik and the ROC organisation for having me back and looking forward to it being in Wellington NZ as it’s a beautiful part of the world. Bring it on.”

Highlighting the tourism value, Member for Taupō – National Party, Hon. Louise Upston, noted: “Race Of Champions is set to turn up the heat on Wellington’s summer events calendar.”

“Seeing some of the world’s best drivers battle it out at Hnry Stadium will be a thrilling spectacle.

“This one-off event will draw motorsport enthusiasts from across New Zealand and reinforce Wellington’s reputation for hosting unforgettable major events,” Hon Upston said.

With robust domestic interest anticipated, the 2027 Wellington showcase establishes a major commercial benchmark for sports tourism across the Pacific.

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