Townsville set to be top 3 event

Townsville has rolled out an incredible welcome for the V8 Supercar Championship Series; so much so that Steve Richards believes it has secured top billing on the calendar already without even starting an engine!

The design of the new street track has got the V8 Supercar paddock buzzing and anticipation for this weekend’s inaugural Dunlop Townsville 400 is now at fever pitch in the North Queensland town.

“We keep saying this is a street circuit but in reality it only uses two streets,” said Richo. “We’ve created a circuit that’s more than a street circuit because two-thirds is purpose-built with at least four good quality passing points. The circuit’s been made for the racing and the fans. 

“The racing should be great and also the Townsville area in far north Queensland in terms of hospitality should be unbelievable. I think it will become one of the top three events of the calendar.”

Both Richards, who drives the Castrol FPR Falcon, and team-mate Mark Winterbottom had visited the track during construction but the finishing touches have altered its character dramatically according to Frosty.

In particular, the Orrcon Steel FPR driver has ear-marked Turn One as one to watch, with cars reaching 260kph on the main straight before entering the gentle bend surrounded by concrete walls.

“It’s put a lot more fear into my mind because you now know, when you get it wrong, what you’re going to hit,” said Frosty. “Before seeing the walls Turn One looked like it was going to be an easy corner. Now it looks really tough and the end result of a mistake there is going to be massive.

“You always want to be the first name on a trophy; it’s something your critics can never take away. Also, with Dunlop’s massive involvement here, you want to win it for your sponsor; to win their event would be even more special.”

Frosty and Richo will be on track this Friday for practice from 12.35.