We’re heading back up north for the Team’s home away from home, the NTI Townsville 500!
If you’re making the trip to Townsville, be sure you to check out the incredible off-track entertainment NTI has lined up, including Pro Bull Riding and Summernats, ensuring plenty of adrenaline once the on track racing had finished for the day.
It’s a milestone weekend for Chaz Mostert and the Team as we celebrate 200 races together on Sunday. It only feels like yesterday he joined the Team, we have some pretty exciting things planned this weekend to mark the celebration so keep your eyes peeled.
Adding to the excitement, our Walkinshaw Foundation Academy drivers return to the track this weekend for Round 2 of the TGRA GR Cup. Ayce Buckley, Pip Casabene and Liam Gerges will tackle the streets of Townsville for the very first time.
The Track
Reid Park is a half street, half purpose built, 2.86km track that sits just outside the Townsville CBD.
In typical street circuit fashion, it is a concrete jungle in parts… any mistake is punished by the concrete barriers that surround the track.
Format
There are three days of on track action with one race each day.
Friday: The action kicks off with one 45-minute practice session before the two-part qualifying session for Race 20 which follows the below format:
- Part 1: Sets the grid for positions 11 – 26
- Part 2: Sets the grid for positions 1 – 10
The lights will go out for the 100km Race 20 at 4.15pm local time.
Saturday: There is a three-part qualifying session for Race 21 which will follow the below format:
- Part 1: Sets the grid for P19 – P26
- Part 2: Sets the grid for P11 – P18
- Top 10 Shootout: Determines the top 10 positions for the race
There will be a 200km race in the afternoon which commences at 3.05pm local time.
Sunday: There will also be a three-part qualifying session, similar to Saturday, with lights going out for the final race of the weekend at 2.40pm local time.
Tyres
We are running the Dunlop Soft tyre all weekend.
Pitstops
For Friday’s 100km race there is just one compulsory pitstop, for the two 200km races on Saturday and Sunday there are two compulsory pitstops.
Weather
We are pleased to be leaving Melbourne’s cold weather as it is set to be a warm and sunny weekend in Townsville with temperatures reaching 27 degrees.
How to Watch
Get ready for a big weekend, you won’t want to miss a minute!
- Fox Sports and Kayo: Live coverage of every session
- Sky Sports NZ: Live coverage of every session
For the full TV guide, please CLICK HERE.
Chaz Mostert
“I’ve been celebrating quite a few milestones recently, it must mean I’m getting pretty old. But in all seriousness, celebrating 200 races with the Walkinshaw TWG Racing Team is awesome. To think I’ve spent half of my career in Supercars with this Team is really special.
“I really enjoy heading to street tracks, especially Townsville, I look forward to this round every year. This track is really technical and reward the risk takers but can come back and bite you hard if you push the limited too much.
“I’ll be swapping my thongs this weekend for some Ringers Western cowboy boots, NTI always put on an incredible event up North and I’m excited to watch the Pro Bull Riding on Saturday night.”
Ryan Wood
“I’m pumped to go racing this weekend, this is like my second home race, with NTI hosting the event. They always put on an incredible show for the fans both on and off the track.
“It’s great to be racing across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it’s going to bring a lot of entertainment for the fans and keep us drivers on our toes all weekend.
“We are back racing in the heat this weekend, so preparation and recovery is going to be key. With racing on across three days, it’s all about making sure we can back it up each time we hit the track.”