Special Townsville 400 event after February flooding

Supercars will host a special event for those affected by the Townsville floods at next month’s Watpac Townsville 400.

The North Queensland city was devastated by floods in February after 1200mm of rain fell in seven days, displacing more than a thousand residents.

There were two direct fatalities and another two caused by bacterial infections related to the flooding, while the street circuit’s permanent pit garages were used by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services in the clean-up effort.

In response to the disaster, Supercars is inviting families, community members, volunteers and emergency services workers to attend a special ‘Party in the Pits event, supported by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Queensland Rail and event race title sponsor Watpac.

The pit lane at Reid Park will be thrown open on the evening of Friday, July 5 with guests having the opportunity to meet every Supercars driver and team, and food and live entertainment provided.

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said it was important to support those affected and thank the people who helped in the recovery process.

“We have been embraced by the City for more than a decade of racing in Townsville, so we wanted to help in any small way we can,” Seamer said.

“It will be a casual, relaxed evening which we very much look forward to.”

Construction of the Reid Park circuit, which was engulfed by the flood waters in February, began this week ahead of the July 5-7 event.