New drivers’ parade at NTI Townsville 500 in 2023

There’s a change coming to the drivers’ parade this year. Read what’s going to be different.

Shane van Gisbergen wins last year’s NTI Townsville 500, event 7 of the Repco Supercars Championship, in July 2022.

A new-look drivers’ parade is coming to the NTI Townsville 500 with fans in for a totally different experience.

In a spectacle reminiscent of Forumla One parades, the 25 Repco Supercars Championship drivers will be taken on a lap around the track on an open trailer to greet the crowds.

The parade will take place on Sunday, July 9 at 11.05am, just prior to the final race event, which begins at 2.40pm.

Event manager Matt Ramsden said they were thrilled to introduce the new addition to the Townsville race.

Shane van Gisbergen will celebrate his 500th career race start at this year’s NTI Townsville 500. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

“We wanted to enhance the fan experience, and this is something new for the North Queensland event,” he said.

“We hope fans line the circuit on Sunday morning to see their favourite drivers up close before their 250km race later that day.”

The parade is the beginning of a big day, with the Ministry of Sound Classical Orchestra to take the stage at the end of the night.

There is also a 500-drone light show planned, along with celebrations for the 150th round of the Dunlop Super2 series and Shane van Gisbergen’s 500th career race start.

Also on track at this year’s NTI Townsville 500 will be the Dunlop Super2 and Dunlop Super3 Series, Porsche Carrera Cup, Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Series and the Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Super Series.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketek and Supercars.com

Originally published as New drivers’ parade at NTI Townsville 500 in 2023