The story of the 2025 Taupō Supercars trophies

While drivers are fighting for the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, the podium finishers from each race will all receive special trophies.

Some new-look trophies have been carved for this weekend's ITM Taupō Super 440.

This year's trophies are a traditional symbol that represents supreme connection with air, water, land and vessel in navigational excellence.

They acknowledge one of the traditional navigation systems used by the ancestors of the local tribe who are renowned for being some of the greatest navigators to traverse earth.

The trophies feature a stylised sharks tooth, which represents Niho Taniwha, meaning the tooth of the protector.

When the ancestors of the local Tangata Whenua would journey across Te Moananui-a-Kiwa (Pacific), they would seal their vessel with shark oil a mark of preservation and respect.

It gave Tangata Whenua deep connection with the sea and all things within, including the sharks that would escort and guarantee safe passage during the voyage, like the one that brought Tangata Whenua here centuries ago.

Each Niho (tooth) features a pattern at the base that represents the various waterways which gives to Taupō Moana (Lake Taupō).

A pattern represents Nga Kahui Maunga (the many mountains from which the rivers and waters flow) with special mention to Maunga Namu and Tauhara, the sacred mountain that stands proudly over looking the racetrack.

The trophies are carved from ancient Tawhai timber sourced locally from the Kaimanawa forest.