Payne and Mostert look to repeat Townsville victories

Supercars teams have arrived at the Reid Park Street circuit today, on the eve of the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Now in its 17th year, the Townsville 500 is North Queensland’s largest annual sporting event, and this year will feature three Supercars races, including its first-ever Friday race tomorrow afternoon.

Ford drivers Matt Payne and Cam Waters split the two Townsville races in 2024, and are looking forward to the revamped racing format and potential surprises it will spring.

Payne enters the weekend third in the championship, closely followed by Waters in fourth.

“This is definitely on of the tracks that we were strong last year,” commented Payne. “I’m not particularly strong in qualifying but it is something we have been working on this year. The new soft tyre is making a difference so it will be interesting how everyone rolls out and what the pace is like.

“The curves are the biggest aspect for us in Townsville, and we are pretty much on them at every single corner. You need a car that is compliant. Last year Saturday’s race was one of the best we had. This year it is so close across the field.”

Ford drivers Matt Payne and Cam Waters split the two Townsville races in 2024

Both drivers have three wins on the year, but find themselves chasing the Red Bulls of Broc Feeney and Will Brown at the head of the championship table.

On-track action at the NTI Townsville 500 begins tomorrow, with a 100-kilometre Supercars race at 3:40 p.m. AEST, followed by a 200-kilometre race on Saturday and Sunday each.

This year’s event features an all-new entertainment offering, including highlights of a Dylan Wright performance and PBR Australia’s Tasman Cup on Friday night, and Summernats goes Troppo on Saturday night, both inside the circuit precinct.

Fans can also take in Summernats’ Pro Burnout Skid Pad demonstrations, MotorEx Alley displays, Street Machine Tuff Show, and an expanded ADF display area at the event that kicks off tomorrow.

The NTI Townsville 500 takes place July 11-13 on the streets of Townsville, and is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Major Events Program and Townsville Enterprise Limited.