Kiwi Country: New Zealand Set to Host Race of Champions in 2027

New Zealand is gearing up to host the prestigious Race of Champions (ROC) for the first time ever. This annual international stadium race event brings together top drivers from various motorsport disciplines to compete against each other. The event is scheduled to take place at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on January 9-10, with ticket pre-sales already open.

While the complete driver and car lineups are yet to be revealed, ROC organizers have confirmed the participation of four renowned names. Hyundai’s World Rally Championship star Hayden Paddon will be part of New Zealand’s driver lineup, while Australian Supercars series champion Chaz Mostert will represent Australia. Additionally, current Cadillac Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas will compete for Finland, and former F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel will represent Germany.

The lineup for the event promises to include stars from various racing disciplines such as Formula 1, IndyCar, Supercars, World Rally, and NASCAR. This opens up the possibility for drivers like Shane van Gisbergen, Scott Dixon, or Scott McLaughlin to join the New Zealand team.

Fredrik Johnsson, ROC president, and co-founder expressed excitement about bringing the Race of Champions to Wellington and New Zealand for the first time. He highlighted the passion for motorsport in the country and the opportunity for local stars to compete against international superstars in front of their home fans.

Hayden Paddon shared his enthusiasm for hosting such a significant motorsport event in New Zealand, emphasizing the country’s strong presence in various racing disciplines. He described the Race of Champions as a unique opportunity for Kiwi fans to witness top drivers from around the world competing in equal machinery within a renowned sports stadium.

Established in 1988, the Race of Champions has been held in various locations worldwide, including London’s Wembley Stadium and Marlins Park in Miami. The event features races on a temporary indoor course with a variety of race cars. Past winners include notable names like Vettel, David Coulthard, Tommi Makinen, Colin McRae, and Stig Blomqvist. The most recent edition in 2025, held in Sydney, was won by five-time ROC champion Sebastien Loeb.

This historic event promises an exciting spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts in New Zealand, showcasing top talent from different racing disciplines in a thrilling competition.