Mostert likens Taupō fan reception to Bathurst

The massive fan reception to Supercars in Taupō wasn't lost on Chaz Mostert, who likened Thursday's Track to Town event and its fan reaction to Bathurst.

In a Supercars first, all 24 cars made their way from the circuit to the town centre.

Fans were able to cheer on their favourite teams and drivers as they made their way from Taupō International Motorsport Park to Te Atea – Tapuaeharuru, Roberts Street in downtown Taupō.

Led in a police convoy, the 24 Supercars travelled along Broadlands Road, Tauhara Road, Spa Road, turned left into Tongariro Street, turned left into Roberts Street and parked in town.

There, drivers took part in an all-in driver autograph session, with thousands of fans flanking the streets as they approached Roberts Street.

For Walkinshaw Andretti United star Mostert, the ITM Taupō Super400 crowd hype was akin to the levels seen in the lead-up to the Great Race in downtown Bathurst.

“We drove 24 Supercars here, it’s pretty unbelievable," Mostert told Supercars.com.

“It really shows that we need get here to New Zealand and do some racing."

Championship leader Will Brown, who brought up the rear of the 24-car pack, added: “This is crazy. It’s hard to explain to people how many people have turned up here to support us.

“On the drive all the way, there were people on the side of the road, it made it really fun, it made you want to do a burnout or something for them, because they were all hyping you up."

Supercars action will commence with 90 minutes of practice on Friday.