Townsville 400 V8 Supercars - Part I

When we were heading into Townsville, Chris had decided that he might try and get some work as a plumber on the V8 track for some extra money and hopefully get an insight into the Townsville 400 that we wouldn't normally get. After arriving in town he headed to Tradelink Plumbing Supplies and spoke to them about the onsite plumber and gave him a call and was due to start in a few days.

We had been told that Castle Hill was great to drive up and see the view of Townsville, so one afternoon we headed up there to check it out. It was a magnificent view - and also gave us a good view of the race track - as you have probably worked out we are super keen for the V8 Supercars!! While up there we also saw Neil Crompton filming for the television coverage of the race and had a quick chat to him about the track etc which was exciting.

Chris enjoyed the work and every day would come home and tell us the changes that were happening and how it was all coming together. A few days before the race, they closed off the road to the public and only the workers could gain entry - it was now starting to look like a race track. After work one day he came home and told us all to jump in - we were going for a drive around the track to check it out - how exciting, the kids could hardly sit still.


It was great being able to drive and see the track before it opened to the public, although it probably isn't quite the same doing it in the truck as in a V8 supercar - but it was exciting all the same. On one of the laps we saw a few of the drivers checking it out as well - Mark Skaiffe, Russell Ingall, Grant Denyer and Jason Bargwanna. We got to drive down pit lane and pretend we were a V8 Supercar driver - well the kids did anyway - oh and Chris of course!!!


It was only a couple of days till the race started and Pa arrived (my Dad) to stay with us for three days and come to the Townsville 400 with us. The kids were very excited about seeing Pa as they have been missing all the grandparents alot.


The day prior to the race, we ran out the front of the caravan park to watch the transporter trucks drive past for all the teams. It is amazing but the boys could pick out Ford and Holden and they cheer for the Ford as they passed us - although poor old Lexie is a bit confused because she knows she should go for Ford but Granny and Pa go for Holden so she thinks they are all right too - so she cheers for them all!!




The Transporter Parade was great with the drivers honking their horns and waving out the windows to everyone watching - after they all passed, Lexie said "that was totally awesome!".