Construction of Townsville’s Reid Park Precinct, home to V8 Supercars for the next five years, will begin soon.

Leighton Contractors Northern Region has been selected for the tender, Queensland Sport Minister Judy Spence announced last week.

Leighton Contractors is a construction company that has been involved in projects such as Sydney’s Lane Cove Tunnel and Queensland’s Gateway upgrade. Work on the $29.58m Townsville project will begin in the coming weeks in readiness for the inaugural V8 Supercar event on July 10-12, 2009.

“The Queensland Government is committed to supporting major motor racing events and the Townsville V8 Supercar race cements Queensland’s position as a motor racing hub,” said Minister Spence.


“The Reid Park redevelopment will be a great asset for the people of Townsville, both as a motor racing precinct and as a community green space. The circuit features tight turns which will provide for more passing opportunities, better competition and more exciting racing for spectators.”

The 13-turn circuit will be approximately 2.85km long and will incorporate the existing Boundary Street and Charters Towers Road while a new bridge will be developed crossing Ross Creek adjacent to the Townsville Rail Station. Its design has taken into account input from CAMS and numerous V8 Supercar drivers including Supercheap Auto Racing’s Russell Ingall.

“I could easily speak on behalf of all the drivers to say that we will make sure this race is a huge success and an integral part of the championship,” said Ingall. “Townsville will be a focal point of the championship and the country that weekend.”

The precinct will be open for use year-round providing residents and visitors with parklands and recreation facilities. Plans are available at www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.



By Filippa Guarna
Photos by EDGE Photographics