The Supercars are back on the streets of Reid Park for the 2026 NTI Townsville 500, and the action has already kicked off with a massive 26-car field hitting the track. This marks the largest grid seen in Townsville since 2018, giving fans plenty to cheer about during the single 45-minute practice session of the weekend.
Dick Johnson Racing’s Brodie Kostecki wasted no time getting up to speed. After missing the Sunday race in Darwin last month due to illness, Kostecki returned to form, topping the timesheets ahead of 2024 champion Will Brown. It is a fitting performance, as it lands on the anniversary of his maiden victory with DJR in 2025.
Rounding out the top five were Team 18’s Anton De Pasquale, Grove Racing’s Matt Payne, and current championship leader Broc Feeney.
Action On and Off the Track
The session was relatively clean, with the only major interruption coming when Jack Le Brocq suffered a steering failure and came to a halt at the Turn 7 and 8 chicane.
With practice wrapped up, it is officially race day. Boost Mobile Qualifying for Race 20 gets underway at 12:55 p.m. AEST, which will set the grid for the 100-kilometre race starting at 4:15 p.m.
The entertainment is not limited to the racing circuit. Fans can look forward to Summernats Goes Troppo on Friday night, and the Professional Bull Riders Australia taking over the dirt after Saturday’s race. Live coverage of the weekend’s events is available across Fox Sports, Kayo SPORTS, Seven, and 7plus.
