Townsville

The Reid Park Street Circuit in Townsville stands as one of Australia's premier motorsport venues, combining city streets with purpose-built racing sections to create a unique and challenging track. Established in 2009, this Queensland circuit quickly earned its place as a fan-favorite destination on the Supercars Championship calendar. The 2.86-kilometer track offers drivers and spectators alike an exciting mix of high-speed straights and technical corners set against the backdrop of Townsville's tropical landscape.

Circuit Layout and Design

The Townsville circuit features a clockwise layout with 13 turns winding through Reid Park. The track incorporates sections of existing city roads including Boundary Street and Charters Towers Road, while approximately 70% consists of permanent racing surface. A custom-built bridge spans Ross Creek near the Townsville Rail Station, completing the circuit's layout. The design creates multiple overtaking zones, enhancing racing action through its combination of fast straights and tight corners. The front straight extends 672 meters, with drivers reaching top speeds of 260 km/h before the heavy braking zone at Turn 2.

Technical Challenges

Drivers face significant technical challenges at Reid Park. The circuit has an average speed of 144 km/h, with 45% of the lap spent turning. The track surface presents notable bumps and causes heavy tire wear, particularly on the left rear tire. Supercars teams must optimize their setups to handle the circuit's demands, as Townsville has the highest energy input per kilometer of any track on the calendar. Successful lap times require aggressive use of the curbs, especially through the Turn 5-8 complex. The circuit carries a medium brake energy rating but requires precise braking control at several key points.

Racing History and Events

Since its 2009 inauguration, the Reid Park Street Circuit has hosted the Supercars Championship annually. The development, announced in late 2007, cost AUD $29.58 million and added a third Queensland event to the Supercars calendar. Jamie Whincup won the inaugural race, beginning a strong tradition of competitive racing at the venue. The circuit adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by hosting double-header events in 2020 and 2021. Beyond Supercars, the track hosts numerous support categories including the Super2 Series, SuperUtes Series, Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia, and TGR Australia.

Venue Features and Construction

The circuit transforms Reid Park into a racing venue in just three-and-a-half weeks before each event. Construction requires 1,295 concrete blocks and 1,545 debris fence panels to create the safe racing environment. The pit building and some infrastructure remain permanent fixtures, while temporary grandstands and viewing mounds accommodate approximately 12,000 spectators. The parkland setting draws comparisons to Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit, with the picturesque waterfront location offering views of the Coral Sea.

Records and Impact

The outright lap record belongs to Christopher Mies, who set a time of 1:11.9875 in an Audi R8 LMS GT3 in 2016. Jamie Whincup holds the fastest Supercars lap at 1:12.1443, set in a Holden VF Commodore that same year. Beyond the racing action, the Townsville event delivers significant economic benefits to the region, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The Reid Park Street Circuit, with its FIA Grade 3 certification, continues to serve as a showcase for Australian motorsport and remains a key fixture on the national racing calendar.