What's new in 2025: The return of Queensland Raceway
Supercars.com is highlighting some key on- and off-track changes coming in 2025, continuing with an historic venue's return.
After five years without a Supercars round, Ipswich's Queensland Raceway makes a triumphant return to the Repco Supercars Championship.
On August 8-10, Ipswich will host a Supercars round for the first time since 2019. On that occasion, Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin shared the wins.
In a sign of how long it has been, neither driver will be on hand to defend their wins in 2025, instead replaced by a younger, feistier group of drivers that, on paper, presents one of the youngest and most inexperienced grids in some time.
And, back in 2019, Ipswich wasn't even the final solo round before the enduros. Not only is that the case in 2025, but there'll be plenty more at stake, as we'll explain below.
What's happened since 2019?
McLaughlin defeated Shane van Gisbergen in the 2019 Ipswich finale on July 28. Queensland Raceway initially missed out on the 2020 calendar, but appeared set to return in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the years since, Queensland Raceway has been the proving ground for northern teams, with the 3.1km circuit used for testing.
Before 2020, Queensland Raceway had hosted at least one round in every season between 1999 and 2019, also staging a 500km enduro race between 1999 and 2002.
For the record, 48 championship races have been held at 'the Paperclip' since 1999, with Craig Lowndes winning a whopping 12 times, ahead of Whincup and Garth Tander on five apiece.
The rebirth
The venue underwent a transformation after being taken over by motorsport businessman Tony Quinn in late 2021.
Quinn's influence has been crucial, with significant upgrades to the venue ensuring the racing and fan experience will be taken to a new level come August 8-10.
From new pit buildings, catch-fencing and resurfacing, Quinn has not only returned Queensland Raceway to former glory, but pushed it towards modern motorsport standards.
There's no doubt the August event will be a magical moment not only for Taupō owner Quinn, but for Queenslanders who adore the venue and have been waiting all these years for a return.
It's no small return, either
The Ipswich round's inclusion also makes Queensland the most visited state by Supercars in 2025, alongside the Townsville and Gold Coast rounds.
Crucially, Queensland Raceway will be the final round of the regular Sprint Cup season, which comprises the first eight rounds of the season.
The driver with the most points after the end of the Ipswich round will be recognised with the Sprint Cup. Importantly, this driver will gain automatic entry into the Finals Series.
It goes without saying, but Ipswich could see some of the most wild and entertaining racing of the whole season. With a spot in the Finals on the line, expect fireworks across the three races.
Then, drivers and teams will remain in Ipswich for the only pre-enduro test day of the season, which will take place the Monday after the event. Then, it's all guns blazing for The Bend and Bathurst.
Tickets for the August 8-10 event are on sale now. You can also purchase tickets for the majority of 2025 events, including the season-opening round in Sydney, here.
