Hundreds set to strap in for Race X weekend

Take to the tar and unlock an exhilarating new passion this weekend as Race X puts people back in the driver’s seat at Townsville’s track.

Hundreds of North Queenslanders are preparing to suit up and hop in the fast lane this weekend, breaking in Townsville’s newest racetrack with a weekend of speed.

Drive It NQ has teamed up with Drive X for their second event providing an exhilarating experience similar to driving in a V8 Supercar Championship.

North Queensland Operations Manager and V8 ute driver Graham Edwards said he was excited to be able to give members of the public an opportunity to hop in a race car and find a new passion.

The racing circuit at the DriveIt NQ precinct south of Townsville City. Picture: Supplied.

“To have the opportunity to let people of North Queensland from Mackay, Rockhampton, up to Cairns and all the way out to Mount Isa come here and have the opportunity to fulfil a dream,” he said.

“It’s good to get a lot of the young kids out, who are hooning on the streets,” he said.

“Getting them out here in a purpose built facility, somewhere safe and in an environment to learn and develop their skills out here on the track instead of doing it in town and possibly injuring or putting other people’s lives in danger.”

Drive X are expecting nearly 700 people to show up over Saturday and Sunday, accumulating over 1200 laps in their purpose built cars.

Race X's Rod Dawson Jr is bringing an authentic V8 supercars experience to North Queensland. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“Having Race X come here is absolutely amazing. This is the only company here in Queensland that lets you drive a purpose built race car,” Mr Edwards said.

“They are Mustangs and Camaros, they’ve got a race V8 engine in them, supercar brakes, supercar tires.”

Children as young as seven can climb in the passenger seat for a hot lap with an experienced driver, or anyone with a minimum of a current learners licence and 50 logbook hours can take the car for a spin.

“A lot of guys who come out are definitely future Craig Lowndes or Jamie Whincups’… we’ve got a little panic button as instructors and we’re just hanging on to that panic button if we get a bit scared,” Mr Edwards said.

The event is family friendly and is free to come and watch for any car fanatics, a catering van will also be available for food and drinks during the day.

For more information visit the Race X website here.

Originally published as Hundreds set to strap in for Race X weekend