Hilltop Hoods start 50 day countdown to NTI Townsville 500

One of Australia’s biggest live acts, Hilltop Hoods, are in North Queensland today to begin the 50-day countdown to Supercars’ NTI Townsville 500.

North Queensland’s biggest annual sporting event, which is taking place July 8-10 at Reid Park, is being marked as one of the biggest ever, with the return of the big top entertainment precinct and a Saturday night performance by Australian Hip Hop royalty, Hilltop Hoods.

A second act to open Saturday night’s entertainment has now been confirmed – international turntable superstar DJ Total Eclipse.

As a founding member of The X-Ecutioners (one of the most influential turntablist groups in history) DJ Total Eclipse rose to stardom by winning countless DJ battles, including an ITF World Champion Title.

Bringing something new to the event, it will be the first time DJ Total Eclipse has performed at a Supercars event.

The concert is included in a same day event ticket for fans, being a three-day, two-day, Saturday Trackside, Grandstand or Corporate ticket.

The entertainment at the NTI Townsville 500 will flow across all three days of the event, including some of the best on track displays the event has ever seen.

In a first for Townsville, Supercars incoming Gen3 Camaro and Mustang will be on track alongside four of Supercars premier support categories; the Dunlop Super2 Series, Porsche Carrera Cup, Toyota Gazoo Racing 86 Series and the Touring Car Masters Series.

World renowned stunt king and Townsville’s own, Matt Mingay, will join son Maddox in the Hot Wheels Stunt Show while there will be performances by some of Australia’s top gravity-defying stunt riders to keep fans entertained throughout the event.

Trackside, fans will also be able to enjoy the Supercars Family Zone, autograph sessions, merchandise alley and grandstand seating.

The transporter parade will mark Supercars arrival on the Wednesday of race week, while fans will get the chance to meet with all of their favourite drivers in Townsville’s CBD on Thursday 7 July just before racing begins.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard said its great news for fans to have a full line-up of entertainment announced today.

"This year we are bringing back the show that the Townsville 500 is famous for delivering to fans," Howard said.

“Hilltop Hoods are one of Australia’s greatest live acts and to have them locked in to perform at our event on July 9 is fantastic news.

“We can’t wait to see the big top filled with fans after a huge day of racing at Reid Park.

“This year’s NTI Townsville 500 takes place in the school holidays for every state and territory and there is no better way to celebrate the winter break than getting away to North Queensland for one of Australia’s biggest sporting and entertainment events.”

All children 12 and under receive free entry with a paying adult.

The NTI Townsville 500, July 8-10, is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events throughout the State.

Grandstand seats are still available for three days of Supercars action at the NTI Townsville 500, July 8-10. Click here for ticketing details.