THE three-day Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440 wasn’t just a spectacle on track.
Pre-Covid reports put the event’s economic benefit to Ipswich at around $8 million, set to be more this year, while generating more than 20,000 visitor nights – a coup for the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
This year’s edition drew fans from across Queensland and interstate, making it one of the region’s largest sporting events in years.
At the centre of the venue’s revival is owner Tony Quinn, who since purchasing the Willowbank circuit six years ago has overseen a major facelift, including new pit facilities, garages, corporate hospitality suites and upgraded track safety.
The weekend was the refurbished venue’s biggest test yet, and despite some lingering challenges such as traffic congestion on Champions Way, fans gave it a resounding tick of approval.
Supercars CEO James Warburton praised the turnout and hinted at a long-term future for the Ipswich round.
Mr Quinn credited his team, led by General Manager Josh McFarlane, for the weekend’s success.
“I’m extremely proud of the team. They’ve worked well with Supercars, especially with the new facilities. The fans are everything – we should always be listening to them,” Mr Quinn said.
On the track, the weekend belonged to 22-year-old Broc Feeney. The Red Bull Ampol Racing star, who grew up racing at Queensland Raceway, delivered a hometown victory in Sunday’s dramatic finale, sealing the 2025 Repco Sprint Cup and extending his Supercars Championship lead.
In wild conditions that saw multiple Safety Cars and a late charge from Cam Waters, Feeney claimed his 12th win from 24 starts this season, finishing the Sprint Cup 337 points clear of teammate and defending champion Will Brown.
Waters charged from 19th to second, while rookie Kai Allen stormed from 22nd to third thanks to a bold strategy call.
Feeney also locked away the 2025 Boost Mobile Pole Award and its $50,000 bonus with his 13th pole of the season – becoming the first Triple Eight driver since Shane van Gisbergen in 2016 to clinch the award before season’s end.
“I really wanted to win this one, especially here at home,” Feeney said.
