Townsville local primed for SuperUtes debut

Townsville driver Madison Dunston says a pre-event test has been key in preparation for her ECB SuperUtes Series debut this weekend.

Dunston is contesting Round 4 of the 2019 series in a Peters Motorsport Holden Colorado at the Watpac Townsville 400, alongside Mazda driver and '18 SuperUtes champ Ryal Harris.

The 20-year-old has tackled Reid Park in recent years in Aussie Racing Cars and the Toyota 86 Racing Series, and had her first taste of a SuperUte at Queensland Raceway last week.

"It went well, I had different expectations for the Ute," Dunston told Supercars.com of the test.

"I didn't think they'd be as easy as they are to drive, because of the power-steering and how good the brakes are.

"I am very happy I got a test day in, otherwise I'd be hitting the track on Friday not knowing what to expect.

"A street circuit is different, though, and I have to be more aware of everything around me.

"I do feel a lot more confident being able to go out there and know what the car is going to do, and be able to push my limits and see how fast I can go; knowing what the car does is very helpful."

SuperUtes drivers will tackle two practice sessions and ARMOR ALL Qualifying on Friday, before one 11-lap race on Saturday and two on Sunday.

Despite conceding there are pre-event nerves, Dunston is excited to tackle her home event.

"It's great, especially because it's the third year in a row I've been able to race there," Dunston added.

"Having my entire family here at the same time, you come out for a race and having your family right there is really great.

"Usually they can't follow me when I go around Australia racing, so it's good to have it in my home town.

"They're the main people that believed in me and for them to follow me this far and see where I've gone and what I've become is a really great feeling.

"I want to finish every race, that is my main goal, but I do maybe want to finish in the top five, we'll see how we go."