The new Dunlop Townsville 400 circuit is reaching the final stages of completion, promising to be one of the best racing circuits and sporting spectator facilities in Australia.

The multi-purpose pit-lane facility is nearest to readiness, while grandstands are being built and several huge viewing mounds for general admission spectators are in place and being grassed. The racing surface, meanwhile, is curing, having been finished six weeks ago, and has already received the glowing endorsement of numerous drivers, including Mark Winterbottom, Garth Tander and the now retired Mark Skaife, the latter pair having been over-seeing the project with input from several other championship drivers.

“The end result is that this tremendous facility is far, far better than we had ever imagined,” V8 Supercars Australia chairman Tony Cochrane reported, “The look and feel of the circuit is totally unique to any other. And having the ability to build it from a blank piece of paper has given us unique opportunities in the track design and spectator facilities. At the same time, it will provide year round facilities for Townsville and North Queensland.”

The Queensland state government commissioned the build by Leighton Contractors, and intends that the facility will be utilised as parklands, conference rooms, training and functions by the community when not hosting the V8 Supercars.

“What an incredible community asset this will be,” Cochrane continued, “This has really become a win-win for the people of North Queensland.”

Although more than 80,000 tickets have been pre-sold for the 10-12 July event, the nature of the circuit means that there are plenty remaining, while numerous accommodation options, including the up-market Tent City Complex, are also still available in Townsville and nearby North Queensland centres. The huge general admission mounds promise to be arguably the best viewing of any track in the country. They also mean that the facility can cater for high numbers of spectators. These ticket options are still available as are some limited grandstand seats.

“Contrary to what some people might think, we are not yet sold out,” Cochrane emphasised, “There are plenty of options for fans still available.”