Supercars and Professional Bull Riders Australia team up for NTI Townsville 500

Two of North Queensland’s favourite sports will team up to deliver what could be Townsville’s biggest weekend of the year. Find out all the details of the historic Supercars agreement.

Joel Catanzaro PBR, Ryan Woods Mobile 1 NTI Driver, Ben Bode PBR, Thomas Randle Castrol Racing, Glen Young PBR Australia. Picture: Supercars.

Two of North Queensland’s favourite sports will finally be paired together in July after Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Australia and Supercars joined forces to deliver what could be Townsville’s biggest weekend of the year.

Friday night will see PBR run its first-ever Australia v New Zealand round, with the best bullriders from both countries set to face off within the Reid Park track precinct.

PBR Australia general manager Glen Young said the two adrenaline-fuelled sports were a perfect fit to be held side-by-side.

“At the Townsville NTI 500, we’re witnessing a groundbreaking fusion of speed and strength, where the thrill of professional bull riding meets the high-octane world of Supercars,” Young said

“For the first time ever, this world-first event not only celebrates the power and precision of motorsport but also the raw adrenaline of bull riding.

Jamie Fitzpatrick Chair Townsville Events, Glen Young PBR Australia, Acting Mayor Anne-Maree Greaney, Joel Catanzaro PBR, Thomas Randle Castrol Racing, Ben Bode PBR, Ryan Woods Mobile 1 NTI Driver, Courage with his trainer. Picture: Supercars.

“The inaugural Australia versus New Zealand Bull Riding Teams competition adds a unique, competitive edge, uniting two thrilling worlds in a celebration of skill, courage, and rivalry.”

Supercars enthusiasts will be treated to two trans-Tasman battles at the NTI Townsville 500, and Kiwi driver Ryan Wood was excited to hit to the track in his second year of Supercars.

“I think the most exciting part coming back up here is the fans and the atmosphere that they have up here,” Wood said.

Walkinshaw Andretti United driver Ryan Wood qualifies for Race 2 of the Gold Coast 500 Supercars, held at the Surfers Paradise street circuit. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The whole event in itself, we’re obviously fortunate to announce the PBR pro bull riding and all that off track stuff is going to be really exciting this year. I’m looking forward to being a part of that.

“It’s awesome to have the Tasman Cup as well and have the Kiwis over and hopefully they’ll show the Aussies what they’ve got on the bulls and hopefully I can do the same on the racetrack.”

Chaz Mostert driver of the #25 Mobil1 Optus Racing Ford Mustang GT and Ryan Wood driver of the #2 Mobil1 Truck Assist Racing Ford Mustang GT pose during the Sydney SuperNight, part of the 2024 Supercars Championship Series at Sydney Motorsport Park, on July 19, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Thomas Randle finished fifth in both races at the Townsville 500 in 2024 and he said he was looking forward to returning for one of his favourite events.

“We all just love racing up here. I really enjoy racing at this track,” Randle said.

“I’ve had plenty of fun over years, and to think it’s going to be the 17th trip of the Supercars to be coming to this track is pretty cool.

Thomas Randle driver of the #55 Castrol Racing Ford Mustang GT poses during the 2025 Supercars Media Day at Gravity Studios on February 12, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

“It is North Queensland’s largest annual sporting event, which is pretty amazing. I really enjoy the racing here and I think all the stuff that they’ve got lined up off track as well is going to be really exciting.

“It’s just good for all the fans. And being during school holidays as well, it’s the perfect time to host this race and then just to have heaps of things to do and look at between the racing as well is fantastic.”

Adding to the off-track entertainment, Summernats Goes Troppo will showcase a burnout pad, drift cars and drag racing to go with multiple car and automotive displays – on top of the usual DJs, freestyle motocross, destination bars and sponsor activations.

The Australian Defence Force will also be on-site with an immersive interactive experience for fans featuring an array or armoured vehicles, weapons displays, unit capability displays and aviation flyovers.

Matt Payne wins the 2024 NTI Townsville 500, Event 06 of the Repco Supercars Championship, Reid Park, Townsville on July 7, 2024. Picture: Mark Horsburgh/EDGE Photographics.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard said that in addition to the high-profile PBR leg, there will also be an immense slate of motorsports and vehicular fun to be had, with muscle car shows, freestyle motocross, bars, live music and the Summernats Pro Burnout Series, alongside many more.

“We are taking the NTI Townsville 500 to the next level in 2025, delivering a festival of entertainment that will appeal to motorsport fans, thrillseekers, and families alike,” Mr Howard said.

“Securing PBR Australia is a game-changer, bringing one of the world’s premier entertainment brands to Townsville.

“Alongside the return of Street Machine, MotorEx, and Summernats’ incredible off-track shows, this event will be a must-see on the Supercars calendar.”

Even the racing action is set to be bigger this year, with all three days between 11 – 13 July featuring races this year.

The NTI Townsville 500 will take place over three days from 11-13 July, 2025. Tickets for general admission, grandstands, and corporate hospitality are now on sale through Supercars.com.

Originally published as Supercars and Professional Bull Riders Australia team up for NTI Townsville 500