John Bowe's whirlwind Townsville trip

04 Jun 2014

JB explains why he can't wait for the upcoming Castrol Townsville 500, following the Darwin event.

4 mins by James Pavey

2014

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I arrived home last night after three days in Townsville. I have to say, the more times I go to Townsville the more I fall in love with the place. There's no question, going to that climate/weather this time of year is to die for.

I might be headed for a career as a travel writer I reckon! Nah; I had plenty of fun and laughs in Townsville with my dear friend Dick Johnson. Dick and I were invited to kick off the Castrol Townsville 500 by Townsville Enterprise Limited.

Yesterday was 30 days until the race starts - can you believe it?

Back to my story - Dick and I were invited to speak at the Industry Breakfast at Jupiters Casino.

Given we travelled up for the breakfast, it was suggested while we were there it would be great to have a dinner for the local motorsport fans, so that's what we did. What a cracker night!

Local 4TO radio host, V8 Supercar on-ground presenter Glenn 'Minty' Mintern was the MC for the night and Dick and I sat and told a few old war stories. The night was billed as 'Motorsports Royal Family Reunion Tour' - can you believe it?

This year is the 20th anniversary of Dick and I winning the 1994 Bathurst 1000 - well, that was the theme and I think the folks loved it. Minty's a pro and really knows his stuff. It worked well from where I was sitting!

There is a massive car culture in North Queensland, Dick and I certainly felt the love. The Council is supporting a move to build a motorsport facility 35km out of town. I think that would really stimulate motorsport interest in the region. The nearest circuit is Queensland Raceway - all the way back to Brisbane, some 1400km.

I think we need to facilitate the local interest to ensure the top echelon of our sport (V8 Supercars) continues to attract new racers to the ranks. I believe the Decamag (local motorsport group) would work cohesively/complement the Reid Park facility. The good news is Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill and her Council are fully supportive of the facility proceeding - it's good when the powers to be see the local community and economic benefits that will flow from motorsport in their region.

A key component in the growth of the Castrol Townsville 500 is the local community, council and businesses supporting the race. Dick and I agree - after Bathurst and Clipsal, Townsville is the next best race on the calendar and it's only five years old. Dick was a very early supporter of the race, some seven years before it made it to the calendar. I can truly understand what he saw all those years ago.

It was interesting to see the circuit in its raw state. We had a good wander around and the Council has made a number of improvements that will benefit the fans. Directly behind the V8 Supercars pit compound (the city side, if you like) they will erect a stage for the night concert and a shade structure to the scale not seen before to offer shelter from the sun. Can you believe it - and this winter?

The merchandise area has been shifted to where the concert area was previously. The Council has tarred the area. It's quite obvious these changes have been made to make it a better event for the fans. I congratulate Townsville City Council for catering to the fans' needs - well done!

This years' Castrol Townsville 500 has grown by 100km, adopting the same format as this year's Clipsal 500 Adelaide event - that is, two short races on Saturday and the biggie on Sunday. I have to say I've really warmed to the new format, I reckon it will produce some outstanding racing.

On a slightly different track, I met (for the first time) V8 Supercar Queensland Sponsorship Manager Archie Fraser. Archie came up for our two Townsville events and I had an opportunity to chat with him. Archie is a very impressive fella - he's a career sporting administrator with a serious blue chip CV and part of the new breed at V8 Supercars.

It gives me confidence knowing they are doing a fantastic job in anchoring our sport and growing into one of the nation's best.

I reckon you should book to come join me for the Castrol Townsville 500 - I could show you around. Here's the plan, come for the race and stay on for a while - just be sure you take a trip to Magnetic Island. For me it's like stepping back to the 1960/70s and so simple in its way. The views are out of this world.

Hope to see you in Townsville - I can't wait!

Cheers,

Follow John Bowe on Facebook. Bowe is supported by Wilson Security, Dunlop Super Dealers and Coates Hire, and competing in the 2014 Touring Car Masters Championship.