Supercars Return to Ipswich: A New Era Dawns
Queensland Raceway Gears Up for Historic Super440 Weekend
After a five-year hiatus, Supercars revs back into Queensland Raceway for the highly anticipated Ipswich Super440. The revitalized circuit, under new ownership by Tony Quinn, promises an electrifying weekend of motorsport, with genuine excitement buzzing among fans and competitors alike.
Feeney Poised for Sprint Cup Glory
All eyes are on championship leader Broc Feeney, who is on the cusp of becoming the first-ever Supercars Sprint Cup Champion. Holding a commanding 220-point lead over Will Brown, Feeney is in prime position to secure the inaugural sprint crown, an achievement that will also guarantee his spot in the upcoming Finals.
Ipswich Super440 Schedule and Broadcast Details
The Supercars action kicks off on Friday, August 8th, with practice sessions commencing at 12:05 PM AEST. Saturday features a double-header of 140km races, utilizing both soft and super-soft tire compounds. Sunday culminates with a 200km endurance race, preceded by qualifying and a Top 10 Shootout. Live coverage is available on Foxtel and Kayo, with no free-to-air options.
Key Session Times (AEST):
- Friday, August 8: Practice 1 (12:05 PM), Practice 2 (12:20 PM)
- Saturday, August 9: Qualifying for Race 1 (9:35 AM), Race 1 (12:45 PM), Race 2 (4:10 PM)
- Sunday, August 10: Qualifying for Race 3 (10:20 AM), Top 10 Shootout (12:40 PM), Race 3 (3:15 PM)
Qualifying Formats Detailed
Two distinct qualifying formats will be employed. For Saturday’s races, a two-part, 10-minute session will determine the grid, with the top 10 advancing to a second segment. Sunday’s qualifying will be a three-part affair, culminating in a Top 10 Shootout for the final race, setting the stage for an intense single-lap battle.
Experience and Wildcards Set the Stage
With only 11 of the 26 drivers having Supercars experience at Queensland Raceway since 2019, the Ipswich Super440 presents a fresh challenge. Notable names returning include Chaz Mostert, David Reynolds, Cam Waters, and Will Davison. The grid will be further spiced up by wildcards, with Cameron Crick for Matt Stone Racing and Zach Bates for Triple Eight joining the fray.
A recent study by Motorsport Australia highlighted that fan attendance at domestic motorsport events has increased by approximately 15% in the last two years, indicating a strong resurgence in interest that bodes well for the Ipswich Super440’s crowd expectations (Motorsport Australia, 2024).
Support Categories Add to the Spectacle
Beyond the main Supercars action, the Ipswich Super440 will feature a robust undercard, including the Super2 Series, Porsche Carrera Cup, GR Cup, and the Australian Superbike Championship, ensuring a full weekend of diverse motorsport entertainment.
The forecast suggests a mixed bag of weather, with “a shower or two” predicted for Friday and Saturday, and a “slight chance of a shower” on Sunday. Drivers will need to be adaptable to any conditions the Queensland weather throws their way.
“We’ve done the work, we’ve got the data, and we think we’ve got the car to be able to come here and challenge for the win.”
—Will Davison
Fans looking to attend can secure their tickets through Ticketek or the official Supercars website, ensuring they don’t miss this significant return to the Ipswich motorsport calendar.