Young Australian racing star Casey Stoner is heading to the Dunlop V8 Supercar Series event in Townsville, where he will drive a Red Bull Commodore backed by franchise brand Pirtek.

This weekend’s racing event will be Stoner’s third in the Pirtek-backed V8 Supercar and his second street circuit.

“I really enjoy street circuits a little more than the normal ones, it is a bit difficult to race on a street circuit on a bike, so it’s a challenge that is different and I find it really enjoyable,” Stoner said.

And before the serious on-road contest, he joined fellow Pirtek-backed driver – Porsche Carrera Cup pilot, Nick Percat – for a net session with the Townsville Northern Beaches Pirtek ‘Barras’ Cricket club.

But he admits he will not be giving Michael Clarke and the boys a run for their money any time soon.

“Under zero,” he laughed when rated his cricketing talent. “I probably haven’t held a cricket bat since I was nine or 10. The speed those guys bowl the ball is incredible…and I know how much a six stitcher hurts when it hits you!”

The session with the Pirtek Barras (short for Barramundi) comes on the eve of the Townsville Women’s Cricket Association entering the finals of their newly formed competition and President of the Barras, Paul Sichter welcomed Stoner and Percat.

“It’s a great opportunity to promote our club with some other Pirtek athletes,” said Sichter. “Especially when one of those here is Casey Stoner.

“Pirtek is a great supporter of grassroots sport and community activities right around Australia and we’re proud to have them on board our program.

“It is the first year that a well organised women’s cricket competition has been run here in Townsville and we’re hopeful that through the support of Pirtek and having the likes of Casey and Nick visit our club that it will build profile for the sport and bring some new competitors, especially juniors on board.”

Check out all the prep action here: