Townsville 500: Everything You Need to Know

The streets of Townsville are set to host one of the biggest events on the Supercars calendar, with three races across the weekend and a unique qualifying format that will challenge both drivers and teams.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 NTI Townsville 500.

Friday – Race 20

The weekend gets underway on Friday with a single 45-minute practice session, the team’s only opportunity to dial in the cars before Race 20 qualifying begins in a two-part knockout format.

Qualifying

  • Part 1: 12-minute session featuring all cars.
  • Part 2: The fastest 10 drivers progress to an eight-minute session to decide the front five rows of the grid.

Race 20
Friday’s race will cover 100 kilometres and include one compulsory pit stop, where teams must:

  • Change a minimum of two tyres.
  • Use a maximum of two wheel guns.
  • Have no more than six crew members in the pit box to complete the stop.

Saturday & Sunday – Races 21 and 22

The action ramps up across the weekend with a three-stage qualifying format before each of the two feature races.

Qualifying

  • Part 1: 12-minute session featuring all cars.
  • Part 2: The fastest 18 drivers advance to an eight-minute session.
  • Part 3: The fastest 10 drivers then battle it out in the Top Ten Shootout to determine the first five rows of the grid.

Races 21 & 22
Both Saturday’s Race 21 and Sunday’s Race 22 will be contested over 200 kilometres and feature two compulsory pit stops.

During each compulsory stop teams must:

  • Change a minimum of two tyres.
  • Take on a churn of fuel.
  • Use a maximum of four wheel guns.
  • Have no more than eight crew members in the pit box to complete each stop.

Strategy Will Be Key

With multiple qualifying sessions, Top Ten Shootouts and varying pit stop regulations across the three races, the Townsville 500 demands precision from every member of the PremiAir Racing team.

Drivers will need to maximise every qualifying lap, while the crew must deliver flawless pit stops under strict regulations as strategy becomes just as important as outright pace around the challenging Reid Park street circuit.

The Townsville 500 promises another action-packed weekend of Supercars racing, with every session set to play a crucial role in determining who stands on the podium.