Goddard: Townsville Gen3's 'biggest test'

Zane Goddard is looking forward to seeing the Gen3 cars put to their “biggest” test in Townsville.

Goddard and Luke Youlden will lap the Gen3 Mustang and Camaro respectively at the NTI Townsville 500.

Goddard is on site with Tickford Racing, with Youlden competing in Carrera Cup. 

The Gen3 cars will be subject to a race stint length on Thursday following ride laps.

They will also have dedicated sessions on all three days of the NTI Townsville 500.

The Reid Park Street Circuit is notorious for its aggressive kerbs, and is tough on tyres.

The Townsville venue will be the sixth different circuit the Gen3 cars have been taken to.

However, of all circuits so far, Townsville will offer the toughest litmus test for Gen3 componentry before its 2023 debut.

“We’re going to run them pretty hard,” Goddard told Supercars.com of the Townsville running.

"It’s a chance to test the cars through a race stint length at a track like this.

“Out of all the tracks we go to, Townsville, Adelaide and Gold Coast are the most brutal when it comes to kerbs.

“Every test so far has been substantial.

“When it comes to pushing the materials to the limit, this weekend will be the biggest test."

Gen3 cars first hit a street circuit at Albert Park in April.

However, the higher Townsville kerbs offer a greater challenge.

Goddard, who has already completed hefty Gen3 running, is excited to see how the cars respond.

“A race stint length is roughly 30 laps,” he said.

“No doubt the tyres will be pretty ragged by the end of the stint.

“It’ll be a good test for it all. Any time we get running on a race weekend is great.

“The more tracks we can run these cars at, the better they’ll be when they roll out next year.

“It’s about ensuring the cars can withstand a track like this.

“Very few championships around the world put cars through the wringer like ours.”

Supercars will hit the track for dual practice sessions on Friday. Purchase your NTI Townsville 500 tickets now.