Maps, start times and more: Supercars Townsville deep dive
There’s a whole lot of action before the races kick off this weekend, and plenty more entertainment during and after. Get the rundown with all the latest on the 2024 NTI Townsville 500.
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Supercars has released a breakdown of the events set to be held this week with the NTI Transporter Parade on Wednesday kicking off a slate of action-packed moments in the lead-up to raceday.
Event Manager Matt Ramsden said that despite the recent rain in Townsville, everything was on song for a perfect return, with construction and set-up progressing ahead of schedule.
“Track is looking great; weather is amazing so we’re about 2 days ahead. Just the finishing touches now as the teams and support categories arrive and we’re good to go,” Mr Ramsden said.
“The entertainment on Saturday night will be next level, with Tones & I, G Flip Cyril and we’re bringing the drone show back again this year which will be bigger and better.”
The Transporter Parade will leave Webb Drive from noon on Wednesday which will showcase $25m worth of Supercars as they wind through Ingham Rd, Bundock St, Warburton St, Denham St and across George Roberts Bridge across the stadium.
But it will not be until Thursday afternoon with the Track to Town event that all 24 Championship Supercars will drive together.
The Track to Town will begin at 4.45pm from the corner at Officeworks and the route covers Woolcock St, Hugh St, Bundock St and will end at Jezzine Barracks.
Drivers will hold a free autograph session from 5pm to 5.50pm.
Redbull Ampol Racing’s Broc Feeney and Brad Jones Racing Driver Bryce Fullwood headed to Ardo for their first stop after touching down in Townsville ahead of the races.
“We were pretty impressed… not gonna lie,” said Bryce Fullwood.
“We went up to the rooftop bar there (Ardo), for a photo shoot and rolled in with our race suits, which was funny. But that place is mega. Straight away we were looking up, ‘how much is a room here? The place is sick!”
While Feeney saw the appeal of the location and views.
“There was a helipad out the front as well, so I had it all figured out. Get the penthouse there (at Ardo) and get the chopper to take us to the track. We just don’t make that much,” Feeney said.
Following the race on Saturday a concert will be held which will include a line-up of Tones & I, G Flip, and Cyril, which will also include a drone show.
Torque Alley will also showcase iconic motorsports vehicles alongside and exotic and elite displays, with displays including Ken Block’s Ford Focus from Gymkhana Five, Victor Bray’s Castrol Chev, and custom cars from the Castlemaine Rod Shop.
Other highlights of the event will include a beach bar, helicopter flights, Australian Defence Force displays, and father-son duo pilots Hayden and Mitch Pullen showcasing their aerobatics and drift show, which will be held across all three days of the event.
SCHEDULE AND ENTERTAINMENT:
Wednesday 3rd July – NTI Transporter Parade
Leaving Webb Drive from 12noon
The excitement starts with the NTI Transporter Parade over $25 million worth of Supercars will parade through Townsville, starting from Webb Drive and winding through Ingham Road, Bundock Street, Warburton Street, Denham Street, and across George Roberts Bridge past the stadium and into the circuit at Boundary Street
Thursday 4th July – Track to Town
Leaving the circuit from 4:45 pm
For the first time, all 24 Championship Supercars will drive through the streets of Townsville in the Track to Town event. Starting at 4:45 pm from Officeworks Corner, the route includes Woolcock Street, Hugh Street, Bundock Street, and ends at Jezzine Barracks. A free autograph session with the drivers will be held from 5 pm to 5:50 pm.
AT THE CIRCUIT
Saturday Night
Following Saturday’s Supercars race, perhaps the biggest concert line-up in the event’s history, Tones & I, G Flip, and Cyril will rock the stage as Townsville parties into the night.
A drone show will also take place during the night’s festivities.
Torque Alley - New for 2024
Torque Alley is set to become a fan favourite, showcasing some of Australia’s most iconic motorsport vehicles alongside elite and exotic display cars. Fans can discover high-performance, one-off vehicles and hot rods, including the famous Ken Block’s Ford Focus from Gymkhana Five, Victor Bray’s iconic Castrol ‘57 Chev, and custom cars from the Castlemaine Rod Shop. This is a fantastic opportunity to chat with the owners and get up close with these incredible machines.
NTI Jailbar Truck Giveaway
One lucky fan will drive away in a brand-new 1946 Ford Jailbar truck, courtesy of NTI. Part of a fundraiser for MND research, raffle tickets can be purchased and more information on NTI’s initiative can be found here.
Beach Bar
The Caught Fk All Fishing Club Experience is a unique Beach Bar located at Turn 7, crafted entirely from sand. In collaboration with the Mad Huey’s, the Caught Fk All Fishing Club offers a vibrant beachside vibe right in the heart of the track. Fans can enjoy the rooftop area, adding a fun and quintessentially Townsville touch to the event.
Helicopter Flights with Nautilus Aviation
For an unparalleled view of the circuit and Townsville, fans can take to the skies with helicopter flights, in partnership with Nautilus Aviation. Fans can experience the thrill of seeing the race from above
ADF Displays
Supercars is honoured to feature displays from the Australian Defence Force once again at the NTI Townsville 500. Fans can get up close with ADF vehicles and personnel and keep an eye out for Courage - the Wedge Tailed Eagle, who serves as the mascot of Townsville’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
Hayden and Mitch Pullen – Aerobatics and Drift Team
The dynamic father and son duo, Hayden and Mitch Pullen, will be back with their spectacular aerial aerobatics and drift show. The displays will take place throughout various times of the event, across all three days of the NTI Townsville 500.
Ferris Wheel & Dodgem Cars
Fans can unwind with a ride on the Ferris Wheel or a fun-filled session on the dodgem cars that will be on offer to ride inside the general admission area of the track precinct.
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