Slade's family first in Townsville

The NTI Townsville 500 marked a key family milestone for Tim Slade, with his nine-month-old son attending his first Supercars event.

Slade's fiancé Dani Byrnes travelled with baby Jordy to Townsville on Thursday.

Mother and son had a front row seat Slade's standout ARMOR ALL Qualifying result on Saturday, with the 35-year-old reaching both Top Ten Shootouts.

Having family on the ground buoyed the Blanchard Racing Team driver, with Slade recording finishes of sixth and eighth.

"It’s cool having them here and for the week," Slade said.

"Obviously it’s back-to-back races this week, so a little family holiday for us in between races.

"It’s cool to have the family with me, so I’m not missing them while I’m away."

Slade celebrated his 350th career race start on Saturday with a drive from ninth to sixth.

It marked his best result of the season, with the 35-year-old backing it up on Sunday.

"It definitely adds to life,” Slade said of fatherhood.  

"I’m 35 and you get to this period of life, where it’s not mundane, but it feels the same day-to-day.

"So it’s an awesome addition having Jordy for Dani and I, we are loving being parents and it's every bit what we expected and more."

Slade heads to the WD-40 Townsville SuperSprint 17th in the standings.