Professional Bull Riders returns to NTI Townsville 500 in 2026
Return of PBR Australia confirmed for Saturday night at 2026 NTI Townsville 500
PBR was a popular off-track addition to the 2025 event
2026 NTI Townsville 500 takes place July 10-12, tickets now on sale
Supercars has announced that Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Australia will return to the NTI Townsville 500 in 2026, following the success of last year’s world-first motorsport and bull riding crossover.
North Queensland’s largest annual sporting event returns July 10-12, 2026 for what will be the 20th Supercars race event held on the action-packed hybrid street circuit at Reid Park.
More than 128,000 fans attended the NTI Townsville 500 in 2025, and next year promises even more excitement with three days of Supercars racing.
After debuting on Friday at the Townsville 500 in 2025 with the Tasman Cup showdown between Australia and New Zealand, PBR will return with a Saturday night show in 2026 with riders competing as part of the PBR Australia Touring Pro division.
Following a capacity crowd that turned out for the 2025 PBR event at the Townsville 500, Supercars and PBR plan to expand seating and space for 2026 to further enhance the fan experience.
Supercars will again race on all three days of the Townsville event, featuring a 100-kilometre sprint race on Friday, followed by 200-kilometre races on Saturday and Sunday.
This year’s event saw Brodie Kostecki claim his first win for Dick Johnson Racing on Friday, before Broc Feeney dominated the weekend with victories on both Saturday and Sunday.
“The addition of PBR Australia was one of the most talked-about highlights of the 2025 event,” said Matt Ramsden, NTI Townsville 500 Event Manager.
“Fans loved the unique combination of horsepower and bull power, and we’re committed to going bigger and better in 2026.
“Having PBR under the lights after the chequered flag on the Supercars race will make for one of the biggest Saturdays of the year in Townsville. We can’t wait to be back.”
PBR’s appearance at the NTI Townsville 500 will offer local fans a preview of what’s to come at the PBR Australia Grand Finals, which takes place 13-14 November at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.
“We’re thrilled to bring PBR back to the NTI Townsville 500 with a full field of riders and bulls ready to entertain,” said Glen Young, PBR Australia General Manager.
“This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the athleticism and excitement of professional bull riding to a whole new audience, and we can’t wait to deliver two incredible nights of competition.”
The NTI Townsville 500 will be the seventh event on an expanded, 14-round 2026 Repco Supercars Championship season.
“Together with Townsville City Council and the State Government, we’re proud to support this event and continue strengthening Townsville’s reputation as the Events Capital of the North,” said Chelsea Cavanah, Townsville Enterprise Director of Major Events Acquisition.
“This was an incredible hit last time and bringing it back highlights the unique experience Townsville offers within the Supercars event precinct. Where else can you enjoy one of Australia’s favourite motorsports and professional bull riding all in one event?”
Tickets for the 2026 NTI Townsville 500 are now on sale and can be purchased via Supercars.com and Ticketek.
