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Cyclone Vaianu Forecast Prompts Schedule Discussions for Supercars Event in Taupō

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Cyclone Vaianu Threatens ITM Taupō Super440 Schedule

Event organizers and teams for the ITM Taupō Super440 are monitoring the forecast for Cyclone Vaianu, with discussions ongoing regarding potential adjustments to the race schedule. As of Friday morning, the event is proceeding as planned while officials develop contingency options.

Weather Forecast and Warnings

MetService, New Zealand's national meteorological service, has issued Severe Weather Warnings and Watches for the North Island and upper South Island in relation to Cyclone Vaianu.

  • The cyclone is currently a Category 3 storm moving south towards New Zealand.
  • It is forecast to weaken to a Tropical Low by Sunday, with its path expected to pass near Lake Taupō.
  • For Taupō, an Orange Strong Wind Warning and a Heavy Rain Watch are in effect for Sunday, April 12.
  • A Red Strong Wind Warning has been issued for the Coromandel and Great Barrier Island for Sunday, with potential gusts up to 140 km/h.

MetService describes the situation as a multi-hazard event with the potential for damaging winds, heavy rain, coastal inundation, and related impacts such as flooding, slips, and road closures.

Event Schedule and Official Stance

The Supercars organization stated it is collaborating with local officials, emergency services, and stakeholders to monitor the situation. Internal contingency planning is underway.

  • The Friday schedule, featuring two practice sessions, remains unchanged.
  • Saturday's program includes qualifying and two 120km (37-lap) races.
  • Sunday is scheduled to have qualifying, a Top 10 Shootout, and a 200km (60-lap) feature race requiring pit stops.

Supercars has stated there is no current intention to move Sunday's race forward or to hold races on Friday. A further update was scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Team Perspectives and Logistical Factors

Several team representatives have commented on the potential for schedule changes:

  • Matty Roberts (Tickford Racing team manager) stated his team would be open to racing on Friday, suggesting a format of one race on Friday and two on Saturday to ensure the event proceeds.
  • Brenton Grove (Grove Racing) noted the challenge of proactive decisions, highlighting driver skill and wet-weather capabilities, but emphasized that fan attendance for Sunday is a key consideration.
  • Matt Stone (Matt Stone Racing) suggested that if Saturday's forecast confirms heavy rain for Sunday afternoon, moving the race to Sunday morning should be considered.
  • Simon Brookhouse (Tickford Racing CEO) supported a wait-and-see approach, noting weather is uncontrollable.

A key logistical consideration is that the Taupō event is the first of a two-weekend swing in New Zealand, with a second event scheduled at Ruapuna. Teams are operating with limited spare parts, meaning significant car damage at Taupō could affect participation the following weekend.

Potential Challenges and Precedents

A primary obstacle identified for any major schedule change is the need to revise the broadcast schedule.

Similar weather-related adjustments have occurred in other motorsport series:

  • MotoGP moved its 2024 Australian Grand Prix to Saturday due to strong wind forecasts, canceling Sunday's Sprint race.
  • NASCAR and IndyCar have previously brought forward race start times to avoid impending weather.
  • The 2020 Bathurst 1000 Supercars race start was moved forward by 30 minutes due to a severe thunderstorm forecast.