Penrite Racing up for the fight in Townsville: Round 6 Preview

The Repco Supercars Championship touches down in Townsville this weekend for the NTI Townsville 500, which makes up the second leg of the sport’s Northern tour. The event will span three days, from Friday 5th of July to Sunday the 7th, and there is a potential for rain, which is sure to spice up the action. 

 Penrite Racing arrive in Townsville placed fourth in the Teams Championship, in close proximity, and catching third place. Drivers Matt Payne and Richie Stanaway are sitting ninth and tenth respectively, after a challenging Darwin Triple Crown. However, Richie was able to gain five positions in Sunday’s race to take home a positive Top-10 result.  

 There’s no shortage of action on and off the track for Supercars fans this weekend. The Repco Supercars Championship hits the track for the first time on Friday at 12:15PM (AEST), with a second 40-minute practice session to follow later that afternoon at 3:10PM.  

 Saturday plays host to a single 15-minute qualifying session at 10:15AM, with the Top 10 drivers from the session progressing to the Top 10 Shootout at 12:05PM. The day is rounded out by an 88-lap, 250-kilometre Race 13 at 2:40PM. 

 Sunday follows a similar program, with another 15-minute qualifying session, Top 10 Shootout, and 250-kilometre Race 14.

Penrite Racing driver Matt Payne says; “ I love the track, it’s fast and flowing, and should suit my style of driving.” Matt is looking forward to improving on his rookie campaign at Townsville last year, in which he produced a Top-15 result around the tricky street circuit. 

Team Principal David Cauchi is optimistic about the weekend ahead. “Townsville sees a return to the longer format refuelling races, which gives the teams more strategic options come race day. It’s a track which produces some of the highest tyre degradation on the calendar, so having a strong car balance is key. The team are really looking forward to getting up north to the warmer weather, and Townsville always produces a great event with fantastic racing.” 

The off-track action is equally exciting, with the annual NTI Transporter Parade making its way through the streets on Wednesday afternoon. Then, in a first for the NTI Townsville 500, all 24-Supercars will take part in the Track to Town, making their way from the circuit to the Superfest signing session at Jezzine Barracks, followed by a signing session at 5:00PM. 

Fans will be able to meet Matt and Richie at a range of signing sessions throughout the weekend. The Penrite Racing merchandise store in Merchandise Alley will play host to a signing session on Friday at 10:15AM. There will be two Supercars signing sessions throughout the weekend. The first will be on Friday behind the team garages, at 10:45AM, with a second session on Saturday morning in Merchandise Alley at 8:50AM. 

Accompanying the Repco Supercars Championship, is the Dunlop Series, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia GR CUP, Aussie Racing Cars, and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, in which Grove Racing Junior Driver Oscar Targett is a key pillar. Viewers can catch all the action live on Seven, Foxtel, 7plus, Kayo, and Superview. 

Stay tuned to the Penrite Racing website and social media channels for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes coverage of the NTI Townsville 500.