Townsville to celebrate value of a decade of Supercars racing

As it approaches its 10th anniversary race in July, event organisers have highlighted that almost 1.5 million fans have passed through the gates of the Watpac Townsville 400 since its inception.

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has revealed that in the past nine years 1,353,275 supercar fans have attended the event.

Minister Jones advised “another huge crowd is expected to attend this year which will push attendance closer to the 1,5000,000 barrier.

“Last year this event pumped $34.8 million into the local economy and attracted thousands of visitors to Townsville with more than 130,000 visitor’s nights, up from 122,000 in 2016.

“The Townsville 400 is so much more than just a car race, it’s become a must-see weekend combining top level motorsport with world-class entertainment.

“This year Aussie rock legends John Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite will headline the 10th anniversary celebrations, with more Aussie bands set to be unveiled in the line-up today in Townsville.”

Minister Jones believes that the Townsville 400 was a prime example of the power of events, adding “Tourism and Events Queensland’s It’s Live! In Queensland calendar is worth $780 million to the economy this year and we aim to grow that to $1.5 billion by 2025.

“We’re committed to growing this industry in our tourism hubs like Townsville. That’s why we’re investing an extra $170 million in this sector in this term of government.”

Supercars Chief Executive Sean Seamer said the Townsville 400 had been a mainstay of the North Queensland economy.

Seamers concluded “this event has delivered more than $300 million into the economy and one million room nights in the past ten years and we anticipate more visitors to the region in July to celebrate.

“In the past nine years, a total of 1,353,275 fans have attended the event which means another huge crowd this year will push us closer to the 1,500,000 barrier.

Last year’s Watpac Townsville 400 entertainment was headlined by Jimmy Barnes and Supercars will unveil this year’s line-up today in Townsville.

The 2018 Watpac Townsville 400 will run from 6th to 8th July.

Images: The starting grid at the Townsville 400.

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