THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: South Korea Announces 5-Year Plan to Boost Animation Industry

 

The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced the "2025–2030 Basic Plan for Animation Industry Promotion" on April 24, presided over by Acting President and Prime Minister Duck-soo Han.

The new plan is a long-term strategy aimed at developing animation into a high-value industry. Key initiatives include expanding industry investment, diversifying content distribution, cultivating specialized talent, and supporting overseas expansion.

To revitalize the industry, the government will establish a 20 billion won (about US$15 million) animation-focused fund this year, aiming to expand it to 150 billion won (about US$106 million) by 2029. To attract international co-productions, incentives such as partial reimbursement of domestic production costs will also be introduced.

In response to media trends, the plan emphasizes broader IP utilization. Support for producing content targeted at young adults, as well as projects optimized for streaming platforms and short-form content, will be expanded. The government will also encourage cross-adaptations with webtoons and web novels.

The government also plans to support AI-based video content production and distribution, build Korean-specific AI training data, and establish related technologies.

Education programs will also be enhanced. As demand grows for webtoon and web novel adaptations, new training programs for planning producers and professional scriptwriters will be introduced, alongside AI-based video content courses in partnership with universities and affiliated institutions.

Through this plan, the government aims to grow the animation industry's domestic market size from 1.1 trillion (about US$780 million) in 2023 to 1.9 trillion won (about US$1.35 billion) by 2030 and expand the workforce from 6,417 to 9,000 employees.

Source: Anime News Network 

Guinness Women's Six Nations 2025 SUMMARY

The 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations season promises to deliver the same excitement as in previous years. Throughout five rounds, six of Europe's top rugby teams from the UK, Italy, and France will compete fiercely for the title, with only one team ultimately being crowned champion. For the defending champions, England Rugby, the path is smooth sailing.

Screengrab from Six Nations

The England Rugby team made their statement throughout the 2025 W6N season. They've swept the entire season to nick their 11th Grand Slam title and their 13th Six Nations championship title. Their victory shows there's no stopping W6N's most powerful team.

Congratulations to the England Rugby team for winning the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations!

Let's Do The News! (April 25, 2025)

                                      

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Thousands queue for public viewing of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica before his funeral.

- PH President Bongbong Marcos has received a report about China's potential meddling in next month's midterm elections. China denies reports.

- PH Vice-President Sara Duterte says it's too late to implement P20/kilo rice.

- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued guidelines for the proper payment of wages to workers on Labor Day, May 1. In the Labor Advisory No. 5 Series of 2025, the DOLE emphasized that employees who work on the said day are eligible to receive double pay for the first eight hours.

- Troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces joined forces for the Cyber ​​Defense Exercise or CYDEX under the Balikatan Exercise. The activity was witnessed by representatives from the Colombian Armed Forces, United States Indo-Pacific Command, Canadian Armed Forces, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Philippine Coast Guard and AFP Cyber ​​Command’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Team.

- Indian and Pakistani forces exchange fire in Kashmir.

- AO Racing's "Rexy" and "Roxy" Porsche 911 GT3 R race cars will make a public appearance at the this Saturday at the Air|Water show at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California.

- Renault announced that the entire R5 Turbo 3E allocation has sold out.

- Land Rover Classic revived a first-generation Defender in soft-top body style powered by a V8 engine.

- Red Velvet member Wendy signs with a new agency following her departure from SM Entertainment.

- The first round of the NFL draft saw Cam Ward in the Titans, the Giants gained Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart, Matthew Golden was snagged by the Packers, and more.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 24, 2025)

                                     

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now focusing on the angle that a sniper was responsible for the killing of Mayor Joel Ruma of Rizal town, Cagayan. According to PNP Public Information Office (PIO) Chief Col. Randulf Tuaño, Mayor Ruma was hit by a 5.56 caliber bullet in the right shoulder that penetrated the back of his body.

- The Malacañang warns candidates who will take advantage of the upcoming sale of ₱20/kilo rice in the Visayas region.

- The Philippine Navy has spotted two Chinese warships near the shores of Northern Luzon. According to the Philippine Navy, at around 9:36 a.m. Tuesday, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities spotted the aircraft carrier Shandong (CV-17), one of the main ships of the Chinese Navy, sailing just 2.23 nautical miles from Babuyan Island, which is within our archipelagic waters.

- CBCP President and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David is en route to Rome to attend Pope Francis' funeral.

- Indian PM Narendra Modi vows to pursue attackers "to the ends of the Earth" after 26 killed at Kashmir tourist spot.

- Prime Video docuseries, American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans, will premiere on June 12. The documentary highlights NASCAR's Le Mans campaign.

- The F1 Academy Netflix docuseries, F1: The Academy, will premiere on May 28. Produced by Hello Sunshine, this seven-episode series highlights the F1 Academy 2024 season.

- The FIA has approved General Motors as the official power unit supplier of Formula 1, effective in the 2029 season.

- ExCel London extends Formula E venue deal until the end of the 2026 season.

- NASCAR announces 2025 All-Star Race format.

- The Aikatsu x PriPara crossover movie is coming this autumn.

- Tsuburaya Productions announced this year's Ultraman TV show, Ultraman Omega. Airing on TV Tokyo this July 5, the series stars Shori Kondo as Sorato Okida, the man with the Omega Slugger who transforms into Ultraman Omega.

- US pre-orders for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 have commenced after a two-week delay due to the effects of the US reciprocal tariffs. 

- Girls' Generation member Seohyun has left Namoo Actors.

- Hall of Famer Steve "Mongo" McMichael passed away at the age of 67. McMichaels is a stalwart of the Chicago Bears' famed "46 defense" of the 1980s, who ranks second in franchise history with 92.5 sacks.

- A federal judge informed the NCAA and its members that she would not approve the multibillion-dollar antitrust settlement, which is expected to reshape the business of college sports, unless they revise a proposed policy for limiting roster sizes.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 23, 2025)

                                    

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Pope Francis' funeral is scheduled this Saturday.

- The Malacañang confirms PH President Bongbong Marcos and his First Lady's attendance at Pope Francis' funeral at the Vatican.

- Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, lead counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, denied reports that his camp requested a limit on accepting IDs of victims who want to participate in the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation related to the war on drugs.

- Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has insisted that the Chinese Communist Party and not the Philippines are the ones truly spreading Sinophobia. According to Sec. Teodoro, if there is Sinophobia, it is due to the "overreach" of the Chinese Communist Party and President Xi Jinping not only in the world but also among their own countrymen.

- The ongoing Balikatan Exercises will simulate the downing of aircraft, choppers, and drones.

- A new chocolate sold in Dubai is to blame for the global pistachio shortage.

- Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba will make a state visit to the Philippines next week.

- Mercedes-Benz showcased its Vision V Concept, previewing the next-generation V-Class.

Mercedes-Benz Vision V Concept

- The all-new Lexus ES was unveiled in Shanghai. Set to go on sale in Japan this Spring 2026, the all-new ES features styling inspired by the LF-ZC Concept and will feature a choice of hybrid and EV powertrains.

2026 Lexus ES

- The Porsche 911 Spirit 70 Edition was unveiled. Limited to 1500 units, the special model based on the 911 Carrera GTS Cabrio with the 3.6L eTurbo powertrain is donned with special Olive Neo color, special vinyl design, and Pasha pattern in the interior.

Porsche 911 Spirit 70 Edition

- Nintendo seeks a subpoena of Discord for Pokémon leaker info. Nintendo requests the leaker's name, postal address, phone number, and email address.

- Former NFL player Jay Feely to run for the US House of Representatives in Arizona during the 2026 midterm election.

- Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Margarita Fores, and Gloria Romero will be posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Merit.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 22, 2025)

                                   

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte says her legal team is "confident" that she will win the impeachment case against her.

- Online sexual abuse of children has risen to 2.7 million, according to the Commission on Human Rights.

- The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will provide a ₱30,000 one-time financial aid as compensation for missing balikbayan boxes. This follows a Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting where concrete solutions were discussed to ensure that balikbayan boxes reach their beneficiaries intact and safely.

- Special envoy on transnational crime, Markus Lacanilao, voluntarily goes to the Senate to stay there for two days after being cited in contempt. Lacanilao, who accompanied former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, was cited in contempt for refusing to answer questions from the Senate panel investigating the arrest and transfer of the former president to the custody of the ICC.

- Reports indicate that 12 cardinals are frontrunners to replace the recently deceased Pope Francis. Among them are Cardinal Luis Tagle from the Philippines, Cardinal Robert Sarah, Cardinal Peter Erdő from Hungary, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Myanmar's Cardinal Charles Bo, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Sri Lanka's Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, along with several others.

- Nissan teases the new Elgrand set for its 2026 release.

- Morgan says the car company "will double down on coachbuilding"  and will put internal combustion engines into its cars "for as long as possible".

- The Kia EV3 wins the 2025 World Car of the Year.

- Universal is reportedly making a movie adaptation of SEGA's OutRun racing game with Michael Bay directing and Sydney Sweeney producing it.

- The NCAA Division I Board of Directors proposed the removal of 153 long-standing rules from its handbook. This change would enable schools to share financial benefits directly with players, marking a significant step towards a new era of amateurism in college athletics. However, this initiative is still dependent on the approval of the House settlement.

- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine flags to be flown at half mast in all government buildings today, in mourning for the passing of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Media Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, better known as Nora Aunor.

- OPM legend Hajji Alejandro passed away at the age of 70.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 21, 2025)

                                     

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by the Vatican. He was the first Pope from Latin America and had been in the Vatican for 12 years as the successor to Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI. During his tenure, Pope Francis dedicated his life to God and the Church. He also taught his devotees to live the values of the Gospel with honesty, courage, and love throughout the world, in favor of the poorest and marginalized sectors.

- Classes at the City of Malabon University were suspended after it was disrupted by a "bomb threat".

- The 40th Balikatan Exercise has commenced. During the opening ceremony earlier today at Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said that Balikatan will not only showcase physical strength, but also stronger cooperation and alliances between security partner countries in the Indo-Pacific Region.

- The Commission on Elections Advisory Council (CAC), led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has reconvened to ensure the upcoming elections are safe and clean, amid growing threats to online platforms. The meeting discussed measures to combat digital misinformation and cyber threats, including working with tech giants such as TikTok, Google, and Meta.

- The Court of Appeals has dismissed the petition of PO1 Jeffrey Perez questioning the sentence awarded to him by the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in connection with the killing of two youths during the height of former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. Based on a 50-page decision written by Associate Justice Eduardo Ramos Jr., the decision of the Caloocan City RTC Branch 122 was affirmed on November 10, 2022.

- ICC prosecutor Karim Khan confirmed that the investigation on former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs will continue.

- The Malacañang welcomes the placement of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Google Maps.

- Former miss A member Min announces marriage.

- Soccer matches in Italy were paused in solidarity for Pope Francis' passing.

- The NBA unveils its award finalists for the 2024-25 season.

TTFN.

F1 2025 - STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

F1's 75th anniversary celebrations continue in Jeddah for the STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. As McLaren leads in driver and constructor standings, will its plot for world domination continue in the heat of the Arabian street race night?

Screengrab from F1

Oscar Piastri made headlines in Jeddah by beating Max Verstappen to the finish line and snatching Lando Norris' lead by 10 points in the Driver Standings. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc completes the Jeddah podium with a third-place finish. Other finishers include Norris, George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, and Isack Hadjar.

With Piastri leading the Driver Standings for the first time in his career and McLaren remaining solid in the Team Standings, will it continue?

The next race is the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix this May 3, 2025.

FIA WEC S13 - 6 Hours of Imola

The 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship continues in the legendary Imola racetrack for the 6 Hours of Imola endurance race. Following Ferrari's victory in Qatar, will it deliver another triumph on its home turf?

Screengrab from WEC

For the first time since Ferrari's return to top-level endurance racing, the #51 Ferrari AF Corse 499P secured a victory on home ground, triumphing over competitors like BMW and Alpine to achieve a full European Hypercar podium. Meanwhile, the #92 Manthey 1st Phorm 911 GT3 R clinched a narrow victory against the #46 Team WRT M4 GT3 EVO in the LMGT3 class.

The next event is the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps this May 8-10, 2025.

F1 Academy 2025 - Jeddah

The F1 Academy 2025 season continues in Jeddah Corniche, which hosts the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This race features Farah Alyousef as a wild card entry, adding to the excitement. Meanwhile, the drivers are enduring the intense heat of this Middle Eastern event.

Screengrab from F1 Academy

In the first race of the Reverse Grid, Ella Lloyd, a Rodin driver backed by McLaren, achieved her first F1 Academy race win. Emma Felbermayr, another Rodin driver supported by Sauber, finished in second place. Alisha Palmowski, the Campos driver sponsored by Red Bull Racing, rounded out the podium with a third-place finish.

In the second race, Chloe Chambers experienced a penalty that cost her the win, dropping her to second place. As a result, Maya Weug, backed by Ferrari, was promoted to first place. Doriane Pin, the Mercedes-supported Iron Dame, secured the third position on the podium.

The next race is at Miami this May 2-4, 2025.

Super Formula 2025 - Round 3-4

The MobilityResort Motegi is the next stop for the Super Formula 2025 season, and this race weekend is as intense as an Easter egg hunt. No eggs to hunt, just wins.

Screengrab from Super Formula

In the first race, Tadasuke Makino secured the victory by beating Kakunoshin Ohta, while Igor Fraga finished in third place, achieving the best Super Formula result for a Gran Turismo veteran. In the second race, however, the outcome was the opposite, with Ohta winning against Makino. Former F2 racer Ayumu Iwasa claimed third place in this race.

The next race is at Suzuka Circuit for Round 5 this May 17-18, 2025.

2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP Round 1

The O-NE Superrace Championship returns for its 2025 season, and this year introduces some changes to the race classes. 

While the M Class, as well as the Prius PHV Cup and the Alpine Class, which debuted last season, are still part of the lineup, the entry-level GT Class has been divided into two separate categories. The new GTA Class features Genesis Coupe drivers, while the GTB Class is limited to front-wheel-drive cars with 2.0L engines. Additionally, the top-level Super 6000 class has been renamed the Toyota Gazoo Racing Super 6000 Class. This season, a few GT4 race cars will also join the field alongside the GR Supra Super 6000 race cars.

Everland Speedway is the first battleground of the new season, and this opener will decide who will draw first blood.

Screengrab from Superrace

The Kumho SLM team drew first blood with a 1-2 finish, with Lee Chang-wook the winner and No Dong-gi the second placer. Jang Hyunjin of Seohan GP completes the podium with a third-place finish.

The next race is at Korea International Circuit this May 25, 2025

Let's Do The News! (April 16, 2025)

                                    

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- A magnitude 5.8 quake hits Maitum, Saranggani.

- House Committee on Metro Manila Development Chairman and Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano has insisted that the current National Construction Code should be reviewed and replaced with the National Building Code. Valeriano said this following the collapse of a pole of the MRT under construction along West Avenue in Quezon City and malfunctions in other under-construction or newly constructed structures in various parts of the Philippines.

- Authorities are continuing their search for 10 crew members who are missing after a sand carrier vessel sank in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro. The crew members of the MV Hong Hai 16 include seven Filipinos and three Chinese. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the victims may have been trapped in the ship's engine room.

- The COMELEC Task Force SAFE has filed a petition to disqualify Pasig congressional candidate Christian “Ian” Sia for his joke about single mothers.

- The sedan version of the Audi A6 C9 was unveiled.

2026 Audi A6

- The European Union wants to ban carbon fiber in cars. Carbon fiber isn't easily recoverable and could be labeled a Hazardous Material.

- Jeep unveiled this year's set of Easter Safari concepts.

- Actor Sam Neill joins the cast of the next Godzilla x Kong film.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 15, 2025)

                                   

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The NGCP is raising transmission charges this month.

- The COMELEC has declared the municipality of Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur under control.

- The Malacañang announced that the regional operations centers of the PH Department of Tourism have been activated to focus on tourist destinations amid the expected influx of tourists this Holy Week.

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil warned of the possibility of electioneering this Holy Week, especially as our countrymen are expected to return to their respective provinces.

- Underwater drones discovered in some parts of Philippine waters last year are 55%- 80% a match to drones deployed by China, according to Philippine Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad.

- Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino stressed the importance of the strong support the Philippines is receiving from various countries following the recognition of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) by Google Maps. According to Tolentino, author of the Philippine Maritime Zones Law, the strong support the Philippines is receiving from various countries such as the leading economies of the United States and the European Union is important for this step.

- The Diocese of Antipolo invites the faithful to join in the annual Alay Lakad to the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or Antipolo Cathedral on Maundy Thursday. According to Parish Priest, Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos, this is a special time to express the deep faith of Filipinos who join in the sacrifice of the Lord by walking 17 kilometers from Metro Manila to Antipolo Cathedral. This year's Alay Lakad of the diocese aims to be recognized worldwide, especially in the Guinness World Records as the 'Largest Gathering for a Walking Pilgrimage in 12 Hours'.

- The Porsche 911 GT3 R EVO will make its track debut during the Spa 24H race.

- Dance vocal group lol will disband after their final solo concert on June 1st.

- Kakao Entertainment co-CEOs deny reports of the company's sale, claiming reports are "misunderstanding".

- Bungie's new team-based FPS game Marathon goes live this September 23, 2025.

- Suzy and Kim Sun-ho will star in the live-action adaptation of the webtoon Delusion.

- Football legend Don Hasselbeck, father of two NFL quarterbacks, passed away at the age of 70. Hasselbeck's son, Matt, said his father died after going into cardiac arrest at his home.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 14, 2025)

                                  

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is ready to remove the exemption from the distribution of aid to Local Government Units involved in vote buying. According to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, they are already monitoring many incidents of vote buying as the elections approach, such as the vote buying that is taking place in Quezon City.

- The Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores are to be placed in 67 more postal offices in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Malacañang says.

- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will deploy additional personnel at Ninoy Aquino International Airport this Holy Week.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strongly condemned the recent road rage incidents in the country and the harassment and intimidation by a Russian-American vlogger.

- The Kanlaon Volcano recently spewed ashes this late morning, according to PHIVOLCS.

- The Expo 2025 in Osaka commenced yesterday with about 80 pavilions for visitors to enjoy.

- The Not Very Grand Tour, a compilation series highlighting the best of The Grand Tour airs on Prime Video this April 18th.

- BTS member Jin confirms his Spring comeback.

- Boy group ENHYPEN confirmed their June comeback after their Coachella performance.

- Petro Gazz wins the PVL All-Filipino Conference title after defeating Creamline.

TTFN.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Food City 500

The Last Great Coliseum, Bristol, is the next stop for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series with the Food City 500 as drivers are going "beast mode" in this Palm Sunday oval racing action.

As the green flag waved, Palm Sunday racing action commenced. As Kyle Larson wins Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Brad Keselowski nudged Denny Hamlin followed by Ryan Blaney nudging Keselowski from behind but no chaos erupted. That could have been...something. With Larson bagged Stage 2, the final stage saw trouble for Alex Bowman saying he was "blowing up". The rest is history.

Screengrab from NASCAR

With the action in Bristol done, Kyle Larson wins the Food City 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is the Jack Link's 500 in Talladega Superspeedway this April 27, 2025.

NTT IndyCar Series 2025 - Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

The most iconic street racing event on the US West Coast is celebrating its 50th anniversary, with IMSA and IndyCar participating in the Golden Jubilee of Long Beach street racing. Let's focus more on the IndyCar side as drivers are going all-out in this Palm Sunday racing action to wrap up Long Beach's Golden Jubilee celebration.

Screengrab from IndyCar

Kyle Kirkwood won the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, defeating Alex Palou, while Christian Lundgaard secured third place on the podium.

After Long Beach, Alex Palou maintains his lead with 142 points, 34 points ahead of Kyle Kirkwood, while Christian Lundgaard is in 3rd with 96 points.

The next race is at Barber Motorsports Park for the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix this May 4th.

F1 2025 - Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix

Formula 1's 75th anniversary celebration continues at the Bahrain International Circuit with the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. This race also marks Oscar Piastri's 50th start. Additionally, spectators have the opportunity to see F1 legend Jackie Stewart perform an exhibition lap in his championship-winning Tyrrell to support his charity.

Screengrab from F1

Oscar Piastri celebrated his 50th Formula 1 race in style by defeating George Russell from Mercedes to win the Bahrain Grand Prix. Lando Norris, despite receiving a penalty for overshooting his grid box, managed to secure third place. 

This is good news for McLaren, as the team maintains its lead in the Constructors' Championship. Norris currently sits at the top of the driver standings with 77 points, three points ahead of Piastri.

The next race is the STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this April 19, 2025.

Autobacs Super GT 2025 Series Round 1

The 2025 season of the Autobacs Super GT has officially begun, with Okayama serving as the starting point for this new season. As Toyota bids farewell to the GR Supra this year, it remains uncertain whether this will be the last time the GR Supra GT500 machines compete. Nevertheless, this season is expected to be a memorable one.

In the season opener, three GR Supra machines dominated the podium. The winner was the #1 au TOM'S GR Supra, followed by the #14 ENEOS X PRIME GR Supra in second place, and the #39 DENSO KOBELCO SARD GR Supra in third. 

In the GT300 class, the race was led by the #65 LEON PYRAMID AMG, which took first place. The #26 ANEST IWATA RC F GT3 secured second place, while the #56 REALIZE NISSAN MECHANIC CHALLENGE GT-R finished in third.

The next race is at Fuji Speedway this May 4, 2025.

2025 Repco Supercars Championship - ITM Taupō Super 440

The 2025 Repco Supercars Championship arrives in Taupō, bringing the Camaros and Mustangs together for a showdown on the island during the ITM Taupō Super 440.

Screengrab from Supercars

Ford dominated the entire Taupō race weekend, with Matthew Payne winning the first and third races while Chaz Mostert claimed the second.

Post-Taupō, Will Brown remains in the lead with 651 points while Cam Waters is in 2nd with 617 points, and Payne's in 3rd with 605 points.

The next event is the Snowy River Caravans Tasmania Super 440 this May 8 to 11, 2025.