In April this year, the Supercars Championship is coming to Taupo for the very first time – and the Shell V-Power Racing Team have already set themselves up for success. They will be fielding two Ford Mustang Gen3 Supercars in 2024 for Anton De Pasquale and Will Davison, which will be engineered by Perry Kapper and Richard Harris respectively. Rheem has been a proud sponsor of the Shell V-Power Racing Team for eight years, and the NZ contingent can’t wait to have the team back on our shores.

While things didn’t go to plan in every race for the Shell V-Power Racing Team in 2023, De Pasquale is looking to build on his success at Repco Bathurst 1000 in 2023 – his podium finish at the premier event of the year providing a massive highlight for the entire team.

“It was really cool to get a trophy at Bathurst – our biggest and best race of the year,” De Pasquale said after the race. “We fought hard, put our best foot forward and got rewarded which was really cool! Thanks to all of our team for all of their hardwork!”

The Shell V-Power Racing Team had two other cars in the great race, including a Wildcard co-driven by Kai Allen, who only celebrated his 18th birthday in 2023. While finishing in P20 wasn’t the ideal result, it was still an amazing achievement for Kai, who went on to become the youngest ever winner of the Dunlop Super2 Series Champion later in the year. The Shell V-Power Racing Team are understandably excited about working with Kai again soon, so watch this space!

While Kai won’t be joining the team in NZ this year, De Pasquale and Davison will be arriving in April ready to give their best. The Shell V-Power Racing Team has also welcomed back Dr Ryan Story AM as Team Principal for the 2024 season, who is confident about a strong future for the team.

“Following a few years of health challenges, I’m delighted to return to the role of Team Principal,” Story said. “We have a strong foundation upon which to build, and this restructure is all about looking towards the future for the Shell V-Power Racing Team.”

Co-Owner and racing legend Dick Johnson was thrilled to welcome back Ryan Story.

“Ryan is like a son to me and to welcome him back into this role means the world to all of us,” he said.

“We have great people, the best supporters and the best partners in the business. Bring on 2024!”

Tickets and event packages are now available for the 2024 ITM Taupo Super400, so if you’re keen to experience the first ever Supercars event at Taupo International Motorsport Park, head to the official Supercars website and secure your spot!