SuperCruise to get fans racing to The Strand
Date published: 29 June 2018
Townsville City Council will host the biggest Supercars stars as they cruise along The Strand before making a pit stop to meet and greet fans before the big race weekend kicks off.
The Watpac Townsville 400 Tenth Anniversary SuperCruise, presented by Townsville City Council, will be held on Thursday afternoon.
All drivers in the SuperCruise will be escorted along The Strand in classic cars similar to the ones that helped make Aussie motor racing legends – such as Dick Johnson – into household names and the event will culminate in an autograph signing session at Strand Park.
Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the SuperCruise will be a great free event for race fans to meet their favourite drivers.
“It’s going to be an amazing sight watching some of the best drivers in the country being paraded down The Strand in some of the most iconic Aussie muscle cars ever built,” Cr Walker said.
“The whole town is getting into the spirit for the race weekend and I’m sure there will be a huge crowd all along The Strand.
“I’d encourage everyone to bring the family down to get the chance to meet their favourite drivers, get an autograph or two and check out the classic cars.”
Cr Walker said Council was investing in major events to boost local businesses and create jobs.
“The Supercars is the biggest event in North Queensland and it provides a major boost to the economy and creates jobs for locals,” Cr Walker said.
“Holding these major events cements Townsville’s reputation as the sporting capital of Northern Australia.”
Residents who attend the SuperCruise event at Strand Park on Thursday will have the opportunity to go into the draw to win a family pass to the race.
Watpac Townsville 400 Event Manager Sam Pearce said the SuperCruise was the perfect event to kickstart the celebrations for the tenth anniversary race.
“It will be a huge afternoon at The Strand, starting with the street parade from Fryer Street to Strand Park followed by the drivers’ autograph session and the live production of Supercars Trackside at one of North Queensland’s most iconic locations,” Pearce said.
“It’s a free event for everyone and we’re anticipating a strong crowd, who will have the chance to meet their favourite drivers’ before a huge weekend on the track.
“We hope to see fans from right across Australia at the SuperCruise, to help kick off this year’s 10th edition of the Watpac Townsville 400 in style.”
FOX SPORTS’ Supercars Trackside will be broadcast LIVE from The Strand Park at 5.30pm on Thursday.
Jess Yates will return to host the show alongside Mark Skaife and Russell Ingall, with the team joined by the Top 3 Championship contenders, Scott McLaughlin, Shane Van Gisbergen and David Reynolds, for an update on their preparations ahead of the weekend.
Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said The Strand was the perfect location for the SuperCruise.
“The Supercars is the biggest event in North Queensland and The Strand is one of the most iconic vistas in the region,” Cr Greaney said.
“It’s fantastic that Council is putting on a free fan event along The Strand for families and fans to get the chance to meet the drivers who will be racing around the track.”
The SuperCruise starts at 5.15pm – near the intersection of The Strand and Fryer St – with a rolling road closure in effect for the duration of the parade.
About 5.30pm, the classic cars will pull into Strand Park and the drivers will be introduced to the crowd. A signing session will then continue until about 6.20pm.
Touring Cars Masters drivers such as John Bowe and Steven Johnson will take part in the SuperCruise and signing session.
The 2018 Watpac Townsville 400 is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Townsville City Council as part of the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar. Queensland is just the place to experience Australia’s best live events.
