Dramatic start to the 2024 TGRA GR Cup season at National Transport Insurance (NTI) Townsville 500

The NTI Townsville 500 also marked the debut of the more powerful, more agile new-generation GR86 racecar, that saw five drivers in Race 2 break the lap record that had been set in the previous generation Toyota 86 racecar.

It was a difficult Race 1 with 2022 86 Racing Series winner Lachie Gibbons crashing out and causing one of two yellow flags which not only ended his racing for the weekend, but saw the field behind the safety car for much of the race.

Owen finished on top in Race 1 ahead of Max Geoghegan, who during the week are colleagues at Norwell Motorplex. James Lodge finished third in Race 1, with Geoghegan and Lodge trading second and third place in Race 2.

In the third and final race, Owen completed his weekend trifecta ahead of WAU Foundation Academy Driver Matt Hillyer and Lodge, who performed admirably with a podium finish in each race on his debut in GR86 racing.

Guest drivers and Supercar alumni Fabian Coulthard and Jayden Ojeda were on hand to provide mentoring to young drivers while also competing in each race, finishing the round 9th and 20th, respectively.

The second round of the five-event 2024 TGRA GR CUP season takes place at Sydney SuperNight from July 19-21.

Race 1 results:

1. Bradi Owen
2. Max Geoghegan
3. James Lodge

Race 2 results:

1. Bradi Owen
2. James Lodge
3. Max Geoghegan

Race 3 results:

1. Bradi Owen
2. Matt Hillyer
3. James Lodge

Event results:

1. Bradi Owen
2. James Lodge
3. Max Geoghegan

2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia GR CUP leaderboard: