Townsville set to rock – on and off track
After only two seasons on the V8 Supercars calendar, the Sucrogen Townsville 400 has already made a big impression and ranks amongst the best events for drivers and fans alike.
The circuit that lies just south of Townsville’s city centre differs somewhat from traditional street circuits, in that 70 per cent of the track is made up of constructed roads through Reid Park. But, like other street circuits, it can be just as punishing and unforgiving on unsuspecting drivers. These characteristics produce an entertaining and quick track that retains its street track character.
A key ingredient to the success of the Townsville event has been the accompanying music acts, which have proved immensely popular with the locals. Rockers Wolfmother and Thirsty Merc headline this year’s event on Saturday night. Friday nights concerts are for the ravers, with dance acts Sneaky Sound System amongst the artists performing. It is an event and a party embraced by the North Queensland community.
For the younger fans in attendance, ‘Mack the Transporter’ from the Disney Pixar’s Cars movies makes his V8 Supercars debut, providing a family-friendly environment for kids with all sorts of Cars 2-related activities.
It’ll be a big weekend for Cars 2 star and XXXX Gold ambassador Mark Winterbottom, who will be out to repeat his win from twelve months ago and break his 2011 duck. Frosty will be sporting the #95 on the side of his Falcon, in tribute to Cars 2 co-star Lightning McQueen. Also look out for our very own Murph, sporting the newest Pepsi Max colour scheme, and the Triple Eight pair in a one-off camouflaged ‘camo’ livery, having agreed a partnership with the Australian Defence Force for this event.
It’s the Triple Eight duo who lead the charge heading into Townsville, with Jamie Whincup leading teammate Craig Lowndes by 156 points – a gap which was closed after Lowndes’ double podium in Darwin. Last season saw Triple Eight hit by technical gremlins that allowed the contenders to close in, so they will be out for revenge in 2011.
