V8 Supercar fans are looking forward to a big weekend as the racing action heats up Ipswich from this Friday.

Reigning champion, Jamie Whincup, is one of few in favour of the venue and is excited to be racing in front of his enthusiastic Queensland fans.

Kathy Quinn reports.

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Organisers of the Ipswich 300 are breathing a sigh of relief, having won their lengthy battle with V8 Supercar officials to host the Queensland leg of the championship.

The event was cancelled after claims the Queensland Raceway was not up to standard, but was reinstated when Perth was dropped from the calender.

Holden driver Jamie Whincup says Ipswich always attracts good crowds and he’s looking forward to it.

Jamie Whincup, V8 Supercar Driver: “It’s a track that we test at and it’s a track that I know well and hey, you know, the simpler the track, the more technical it becomes.”

The technical side of racing will be more important than ever, as teams adapt to the added complexity of soft tyres.

This weekend’s event will be one of only two soft tyre events in the championship and Jamie says it will provide greater opportunities for the drivers.

Jamie Whincup, V8 Supercar Driver: “Massive curveball – no one really knows how we’re going to go qualifying on the new tyres, so fingers crossed we get the same result we have for most of the year.”

Holden fans have their fingers crossed their team continues their excellent run of good form.

A crowd of 60,000 this weekend will be hoping to witness the brilliant driving which won Jamie the Hamilton 400 two weeks ago.

Jamie Whincup, V8 Supercar Driver: “Just had a dream start to the year and it’s important to keep that momentum happening and this weekend, if we can get another good result, then we’re gonna be looking in good shape.”

Kathy Quinn, QUT News