The event saw all 24 cars driven in convoy from Taupō International Motorsport Park to the lakefront for a meet-and-greet and signing session.
Kiwi driver Jaxon Evans said he felt the positive vibes of the crowd.
“We did this for the first time last year and it was a massive turnout, but it seems like the Kiwis turned up once again ... It’s always a special way to start the weekend.”
“It’s a good start. I haven’t actually been back in the country since the last race here in Taupō, so it’s nice to be back. I’m pretty fired up [for] this weekend.”
It marks Supercars’ second visit to Taupō and the first ITM Taupō Super440, which will be headlined by two 120km races on Saturday and a 200km race on Sunday.
Australian driver Thomas Randle giving autographs at the Track to Town event, ahead of the weekend's racing. Photo / Mark Horsburgh
Supercars’ inaugural visit was the ITM Taupō Super400.
The opening practice for this year’s Supercars Championship started at 12.10pm today.
There will be two knockout qualifying sessions on Saturday to determine the grids for Races 8 and 9, while qualifying will be followed by a Top Ten Shootout on Sunday.
The driver who scores the most points across the weekend will be awarded the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, named in honour of the beloved Kiwi Supercars driver who died from cancer in 2011.
Last year, the trophy went to Australian driver Anton de Pasquale.
After two rounds of racing this season, defending Supercars’ Champion Will Brown, of Red Bull, is leading the overall points standings, just ahead of Ford ace Cam Waters.
Live coverage of the event can be found on Sky Sport.
