A new era of V8 racing is coming to New Zealand with the arrival of the TA2 NZ Championship, which was launched in October 2025
The category, already popular in the United States and Australia, will make its local debut with a five-round national series, introducing Kiwi fans to a fresh take on muscle car racing.
TA2 features purpose-built, modern race cars powered by 6.2-litre V8 engines and styled after iconic American vehicles like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger. The cars use controlled components to keep costs manageable and ensure the focus stays on close, competitive racing.
TA2 NZ director Paul Manuell says the series offers a return to the kind of motorsport that fans have been asking for – loud, fast, and tightly contested. “We believe this series will strike a chord with Kiwi motorsport fans and give drivers a chance to really showcase their talent.”
The inaugural season began at Hampton Downs on 30 October, before heading to Teretonga, Highlands, and Manfeild, with the season finale held alongside the Supercars Championship round at Taupō in April 2026.
The championship has been granted official status by Motorsport New Zealand and will run as part of the NextGen Premier Championship calendar. Organisers say the format is designed to be accessible to fans, with paddock access, pitlane interaction, and a strong emphasis on grassroots engagement.
TA2 has also built a reputation internationally as a stepping stone for young drivers, offering a pathway into professional series like Supercars and GT racing.
The launch of TA2 in New Zealand marks a significant addition to the local motorsport scene – bringing with it the sound, scale, and spectacle of big-engine racing not seen in the country for some time.