Townsville 500: Matt Stone Racing driver Nick Percat says Friday race might “spice things up”

Get ready for crashes when a never-before-seen race hits a ‘green’ Townsville track ahead of massive Supercars weekend.

Supercars driver Nic Percat at Rowes Bay is set for the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Picture: Evan Morgan

Supercars driver Nick Percat says the Friday sprint race will “spice things up” on the Townsville street track because it’ll be more “green” than normal – aka, get ready for some crashes.

Mr Percat said it was always exciting as a driver to come to Townsville.

“The Townsville street track puts on a good show for everyone,” the Matt Stone Racing driver said.

“It’s the one all the teams love.”

When asked about the new addition of a 100km ‘sprint’ race on Friday, Mr Percat said it was something that’s never been done in Townsville before.

Supercars driver Nic Percat at Rowes Bay is set for the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Picture: Evan Morgan

“It’s interesting, and the cars will behave differently on track,” he said.

“That’s because the track is a little bit green, there is less rubber down, so it might spice things up.”

A green track is one that’s smooth and easy to crash and spin outs on.

Normally a whole day and a half of practice and qualifying puts enough burnt rubber down on the circuit to create fantastic grip in the corners – but not this year.

Supercars are hoping the inclusion of the sprint race will bring more love to the cheapest and less crowded Friday event.

Tickets are still available for the Friday (adults $45, kids under 12 free).

Originally published as Townsville 500: Matt Stone Racing driver Nick Percat says Friday race might “spice things up”