Hilltop Hoods headline huge Townsville weekend

This year’s NTI Townsville 500 is being marked as one of the biggest ever, with the return of the big top entertainment precinct and a Saturday night performance by legendary hip hop royalty Hilltop Hoods.

Winners of ten ARIA Awards, including twice being named Best Australian Live Act, six of Hilltop Hoods eight albums have peaked at number one on the ARIA Charts, the most by an Australian band or group in history.

The famous Townsville big top hasn’t featured at the event since 2019 but is expected to be filled with music-loving motorsport fans on Saturday, 9 July for the showpiece Hilltop Hoods concert.

The entertainment 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.

To celebrate the start of North Queensland’s biggest annual sporting event, Repco Supercars Championship drivers will hold an autograph session for fans on Thursday 7 July at Jezzine Park following the annual parade of Supercars multi-million dollar transporters through the city.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard said it's 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.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the NTI Townsville 500 was a world-class event.

"Townsville is the events capital of Northern Australia and events like this inject millions of dollars into the local economy and help support our tourism industry," Mr Stewart said.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said it was great to have the Supercars back on Townsville’s streets.

"The Supercars are hugely popular in Townsville and bring millions of dollars into the city and by having top class entertainment as part of the event it will only add to the experience for people," Mr Harper said.

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said Townsville loved its motorsport and the entertainment would add to the experience.

"Backing major events like the NTI Townsville 500 is important because not only does it bring visitors to the city which is important for local businesses, it also showcases Townsville to a huge audience," Mr Walker said.

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said there were plenty of reasons to book a getaway to North Queensland for this year's NTI Townsville 500.

"We know major events are important for encouraging visitors to experience North Queensland’s many attractions while supporting local job opportunities," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Exhilarating motorsport, one of Australia’s most popular music exports and perfect weather makes Townsville in July one of Australia’s great winter escape destinations."

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the NTI Townsville 500 was an integral part of the city’s events season.

"While Townsville was fortunate enough to be able to hold Supercars double-headers in 2020 and 2021, the events were curtailed somewhat in order to slow the spread of COVID-19," Cr Hill said.

"This year the NTI Townsville 500 is set to return to top gear with plenty of action off the track as well as on it.

"With events like the Townsville 500 and our North Australian Festival of Arts, running from June 10 to Sunday 10 July, there’s no better time to visit our city and region and experience everything it has to offer."

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.