Tattoos, helicopters and drifting shows on offer at NTI Townsville 500

There was action on and off the track at the Supercars NTI Townsville 500 event, with patrons soaking up the sun, sights and sounds. SEE WHAT’S ON.

All the action from the NTI Townsville 500.

There were adrenaline rushes of all kinds on Saturday, with large crowds flocking to the Supercars NTI Townsville 500 at Reid Park.

Keen revheads decked out in their teams merchandise got through the gates early to secure the best seat in the house, taking in the sunshine and the smell of fuel and burnt rubber.

Action from the track at the Supercars NTI Townsville 500.

With 2025 marking the 19th event held at Reid Park, non-stop action began early on the track with dozens of races across different series throughout the day including the Boost Mobile Qualifying and Boost Mobile top ten shootout, before the Supercars race at 3pm.

Those wanting a thrill didn’t have to look far with something for everyone on offer.

Clouds of smoke and a lot of noise came from the Summernats area, with their burnout shows and drift car demos a hit with the crowd.

Action from the track at the Supercars NTI Townsville 500.

Taking to the skies to see the racetrack from above, some spectators chose to take flight with the team from Nautilus Aviation.

Team member Brianna Dowell said it gives fans a whole different view of Reid Park and Townsville.

“When you get up in the sky and being able to see the cars going around the track, you can see Castle Hill and a great overview of the city,” she said.

Hot Wheels car at the NTI Townsville 500. Picture: Nikita McGuire

“Lots of people on holidays here take up the chance to see the city from above.”
Ms Dowell said they have already seen an increase on customers from last years event.

“We are very busy trying to keep the aircrafts in the air as much as possible,” she said.

“We’ve had some mother and son flights and couples and lots of nice family celebrations as well, ticking off that bucket list item for some people.”

Mariah Holmes and Gabbie Campbell Dyson from Good Vibrations Tattoo Studio at the NTI Townsville 500. Picture: Nikita McGuire

For those wanting a more permanent thrill, the team from Good Vibrations Tattoo Studio teamed up with Dr Pickles at their pop-up tattoo shop, a first for the Townsville event.

Lochie Charlton from Dr Pickles said quite a few people have chosen to commemorate the day in ink.

“We usually go to music festivals, big heavy metal ones, Comic Con, things like that, but this is the first time at the Supercars,” he said.

“Tattoos and motor racing go hand-in-hand.”

“We team up with some amazing tattoo artists in the area and have a bunch of flash tattoos ready to go.”

On what the most popular designs were , Ms Charlton said patrons were choosing to represent their favourite driver with their car number or other designs including check engine lights, checkered flags and classic cars.

The team from the Dr Pickles and Good Vibrations Tattoo Studio at their pop up tattoo shop at the NTI Townsville 500. Picture: Nikita McGuire

He said many people walk past and opt to get a spontaneous tattoo, while some have already pre-booked.

“You’d be surprised, it’s good fun and people see us and think maybe they should get one while they are here.”

For those who have perhaps reached their thrill limit, or gone too far, the team from St John’s Ambulance were on standby, ready to help the community.

General manager of event services Grace Mullins said with lots going on throughout the day, the team of volunteers were ready for whatever can happen.

“Teams like St Johns are here to help lower the risk, respond to situations and make sure that public safety is paramount,” she said.

2025 NTI Townsville 500 Supercars at Reid Park. Frist aid volunteers Rachelle Keefe (front) with Caitlin Fabish-Wood, Tristan Deeg, Thomas Lahey and Adrian Singleton. Picture: Evan Morgan

With the sun shining, Ms Mullins said the team deals with lots of patrons suffering from heat exhaustion.

“Making sure people hydrated and well protected from the sun is a major priority,” she said.

“Even though it’s winter, we are still in North Queensland and it’s important for everyone to be sun smart and keep hydrated.”

“There’s also a lot of walking involved, I myself did over 20 km of walking yesterday.”

For more information visit supercars.com

Originally published as Tattoos, helicopters and drifting shows on offer at NTI Townsville 500