After avoiding another coronavirus-induced cancellation, Supercars return this weekend for its first of two back-to-back rounds at Townsville.
On the support card in the sunshine state is defending Toyota Racing Series champion Matthew Payne in the Porsche Carrera Cup.
In the Big Apple, Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy are back for the next round of the all-electric Formula E championship.
And in Scotland, the British Superbikes have their second round of the season at Knockhill.
Supercars Contingent
- What: NTI Townsville 500
- Where: Reid Park Circuit, Australia
- When: R1 SAT 5.45 pm | R2 SUN 4.45 pm
- How to follow: Sky Sport
For the second time this season, the Supercars championship will use its two 250km race format for this weekend’s event in Townsville.
It means there will be added emphasis on pitstops and race strategy, which could be crucial at a circuit where overtaking can be tricky.
For our Kiwis, Shane van Gisbergen holds the biggest points lead after five rounds since Supercars introduced the 300-point weekend.
He also boasts an impressive track record at Townsville. He has finished on the podium in at least one race over a weekend, dating back to 2016.
Last year, van Gisbergen charged from 12th to victory lane in the lowest starting position for a race winner in Townsville.
Andre Heimgartner will be gunning for a fightback after a disappointing previous round in Darwin. At the same time, Fabian Coulthard demonstrated signs of promise in the past few races and is looking to continue his form this weekend.
Matthew Payne
- What: Porsche Carrera Cup Australia
- Where: Reid Park Circuit, Australia
- When: R1 SAT 3.45 pm | R2 SUN 10.40 am | R3 SUN 2.45 pm
- How to follow: Sky Sport
Matthew Payne had his most successful round of his rookie Porsche Carrera Cup season at The Bend in May
He claimed pole position in a wet qualifying session and scored his first top five result.
Now, after an extended break between rounds, Payne will have to learn the ins and outs of street circuit racing.
The aggressive kerbs and narrow confinements make Townsville a challenging track to come to grips with.
However, Payne proved back home at the start of the year that he is adept at learning new things quickly.
He dominated the Toyota Racing Series despite only limited single-seater experience.
Payne will have two practice sessions on Friday before qualifying and race one on Saturday.
Mitch Evans & Nick Cassidy
- What: FIA Formula E
- Where: New York, United States
- When: R1 SUN 8.30 am | R2 MON 5.30 am
- How to follow: Sky Sport
Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy are stateside for rounds 10 and 11 of the 2021 Formula E championship.
The New York City Street circuit was absent from last year’s coronavirus-affected calendar, but returns with back-to-back races this season.
Evans comes into this weekend off the back of a rough two races in Mexico.
But despite the low points-scoring finishes, Evans remains fifth in the driver’s standings and well ensconced in the title duel.
New York has been a rewarding venue for the Jaguar driver in the past. He claimed a podium here in the first race in 2019.
For Cassidy, this weekend is another new circuit for him to learn.
However, already a pole position winner and podium finisher, don’t discount the Kiwi from a competitive result.
British Superbikes Contingent
- What: Pirelli National Superstock & Honda Talent Cup
- Where: Knockhill circuit, Scotland
- When: Race times TBC
- How to follow: Sky Sport
Our trio of two-wheeled flyers are back for the second round of the 2021 season, this time at the short yet demanding Knockhill circuit.
The Scottish circuit is similar to the likes of Pukekohe, with only six corners, a long straight and undulating elevation changes. It even has a deceivingly tight hairpin to close out the lap.
Damon Rees and Shane Richardson are riding in the National Superstock championship. Both are gunning for improvements after a disappointing opening round.
Rees came home 19th and Richardson 21st in a tough race at Oulton Park.
However, both riders demonstrated promise and will have a better understanding of their new bikes and the new tyres introduced this season.
14-year-old Cormac Buchanan is racing in his second round of the Honda Talent Cup.
Last round, Buchanan made a standout debut where he recovered from a crash in race one to finish fifth in race two, despite starting dead last.
