BUCKLE UP FOR V8s
ROAD closures and restrictions will be put in place around Townsville tomorrow as organisers set up for the Townsville 400.
Sections of Woolcock St, Charters Towers Rd, Boundary St, Flinders St and Railway Ave will be closed to traffic as event staff turn the city streets into a racetrack.
Race fans are being encouraged to use public transport to get to and from the event, with a bus and taxi hub to be set up near Officeworks.
Festival committee chair Councillor Tony Parsons said it was important people were aware of the road closures and took caution in the area.
“Motorists can expect some delays and are advised to seek alternative routes,” Cr Parsons said.
“During the event the Townsville City Council will have a transport hub in place behind Officeworks, which will be the main meeting point for Sunbus and Townsville Taxis.
We encourage everyone to make use of public transport to ease traffic congestion during the event
CR TONY PARSONS
“We encourage everyone to make use of public transport to ease traffic congestion during the event. Don’t forget, those who pre- purchase their Castrol Edge Townsville 400 tickets will get free Sunbus access.”
Cr Parsons reminded event- goers that a regulated parking area would be in place around Reid Park to stop non- residents from parking on streets surrounding the track.
But the closures will do nothing to deter keen race fans, who were already lining up to meet Team Darrell Lea driver Shane Van Gisbergen.
Van Gisbergen met two of his youngest fans, who were dressed in their Lightning McQueen racing suits, at Jezzine Barracks yesterday.
Luca Morris, 2, said it was fun being a race car driver.
His mother Kimberley Morris said her son had been going to the V8s since he was a baby. “He just loves fast cars,” she said. Four- year- old Elliott Smith- Hegarty regularly watches the V8s with his father, Leith Hegarty.
“He likes to race around the house,” Mr Hegarty said.
Van Gisbergen said fan signings in Townsville were always “full- on”.
“It is cool like that. Everyone is so supportive,” he said.
“The streets are lined with promotions and everyone is here for the racing ... and the atmosphere is awesome. They want to talk about the cars and what we have been up to between races.”
He said he was looking forward to a return to the old racing format.
Van Gisbergen will be one of 25 drivers signing autographs at Jezzine Barracks on July 9 during the Townsville 400 Super Welcome event.
The event, which will include entertainment, free amusement rides, a food court and car displays, will be held from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.
Cr Parsons said the V8 Supercars broadcast “postcard images” of the city to viewers around the country.
“Money could not buy that form of advertising,” he said. “But we don’t just want people here for the three days of the event.” He wants to encourage visitors to stay longer.