Drivers go head-to-head in backyard cricket at Reid Park

Supercars drivers enjoyed competition of a different kind in Townsville on Thursday with a game of backyard cricket.

Drivers swapped steering wheels and helmets for bats and balls two days ahead of the WD-40 Townsville SuperSprint.

Melbourne Stars fast bowler Billy Stanlake and Brisbane Heat batter Grace Harris joined 13 Supercars drivers at the Reid Park Street Circuit.

North Queensland Cowboys rugby league Brent Tate undertook umpire duties.

David Reynolds was the first draft pick by team captain Stanlake, who commented on the Kelly Grove Racing driver’s choice of footwear.

"David was down here pretty early practicing," Stanlake said.

"He had his thongs on with a lot of energy, so I got him as my first draft pick, and it looks like he is going alright."

Red Bull Ampol Racing teammates Shane van Gisbergen and Jamie Whincup took turns at bowling, with Team 18 duo Mark Winterbottom and Scott Pye facing up.

Jack Le Brocq, Cameron Waters, Todd Hazelwood and Zane Goddard all took to the field.

"I’m having a great day, it’s heaps of fun," 2017 Bathurst winner Reynolds said.

"Kiwis aren’t the best at cricket traditionally, so Shane talked himself down.

"His bowling is average, but his batting is amazing."

Hazelwood and Jack Smith represented Brad Jones Racing, with Anton De Pasquale fronting up for the Shell V-Power Racing Team.

"I was annoyed cause Shane got me for LBW but I thought it was way far off," Hazelwood joked.

"It’s a lot of fun, and being in sunny Townsville, there is no better place to be at this time of year."

This weekend's action in Townsville will feature three 110km-long, 39-lap races.

ARMOR ALL Qualifying for Race 17 will commence at 11:55am on Saturday. Tickets for the event are available here.

The event will be broadcast live on Foxtel and will be streamed on Kayo.