THERE could be an unusual obstacle for Supercars drivers to deal with when they roll into north Queensland for the 2024 edition of the Townsville 500.
It was announced this morning that Supercars will bring the popular Track to Town concept to Townsville for the first time, with a parade from the Reid Park Street Circuit to Jezzine Barracks and back (either side of an autograph session).
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What’s interesting about the route that will be taken (full details below) is that it will comprise a railway level crossing in both directions.
That shouldn’t be an issue in terms of terrain, with the crossing in question relatively flat.
But it could present an interesting scenario should the field be stopped by a train!
A passenger service shouldn’t be a concern. Supercars will depart the circuit on Thursday July 4 at 4:45pm, with the southbound Spirit of Queensland due to have arrived at Townsville Railway Station at 3:39pm that day (assuming that it hasn’t been delayed on the trip down from Cairns).
Timing of potential freight trains is less clear.
Regardless, it’s not entirely uncharted territory, as pointed out by V8 Sleuth’s Head of Digital, Will Dale.
Reckon this will probably be the first time a full Australian touring car field has had to navigate a railway level crossing since Longford in the '60s. #RepcoSC https://t.co/0YI5FbjoCW
— Will Dale (@WillDale956) June 19, 2024
Townsville Track to Town route, Thursday July 4
Departing circuit at 4:45pm AEST:
- From circuit turn left onto Charters Towers Road (at Officeworks)
- Right onto Yeatman Street
- Right onto Sommer Street
- Left onto Woolcock Street
- Right onto Kings Road
- Left onto Ingham Road
- Right onto Hugh Street
- Continue to Percy Street
- Continue onto Bundock Street
- Left onto Howitt Street
- Left onto Cook Street
- Right onto Jezzine Way West
- Arrive at Jezzine Barracks (5pm)
Departing Jezzine Barracks at 5:45pm AEST:
- Right onto Isley Street
- Left onto Cook Street
- Right onto Howitt Street
- Right onto Bundock Street
- Continue onto Percy Street
- Continue onto Hugh Street
- Left onto Ingham Road
- Right onto Kings Road
- Left onto Woolcock Street
- Right onto Sommer Street
- Left onto Yeatman Street
- Left onto Charters Towers Road
- Finish at circuit (6pm)
