Coomera
GC600 V8 Supercars Weekend!
The V8 Supercar event of the year had graced the Gold Coast once again! Located in Surfers Paradise the GC600 is one of the highlight events of the year, sponsored by Vodafone and partnering with Surf Life Saving Queensland the three-day event entertains thousands with a number of performances, activities for all ages and how could you forget the main event the V8 Supercars. The event launched in 2009 after the Indy Car Series announced in 2008 that they would not be returning in 2009 for another Gold Coast Indy 300 event.
What’s On
With entertainment & activities for all ages spread over the three days, there is something for everyone!
This year’s line-up includes artists, Carl Cox, Eric Powell, Hot Dub Time Machine, Example, Mental As Anything, The Vanns & Kingswood and if you need something to do between races or concerts don’t forget about the Superkids Zone, Merch Alley, Hino Sports Deck & Vodafone Alley or enjoy a front-row view of the Pit Crews, Teams & Drivers in action as they prepare for each event. The Pit Walk is scheduled at all different times over the three days. To find out what times are available to follow the link below.
Find out more: https://www.supercars.com/gold-coast/whats-on/
Parking & Public Transport
The Western Gold Coast Highway Lanes will operate as a two-way system with all other lanes closed until 5:00 am on Tuesday the 29th of October. In addition to no parking or access to Ferny Avenue, Surfer’s Paradise Boulevard, parts of The Esplanade (Budds Beach), parts of Main Beach Parade (McIntosh Island), Pacific Street, Cable Street, Hill Parade, Serisier Ave, parts of Breaker Street, parts of Ocean Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway eastern lanes at McIntosh Island between 7AM & 8PM.
Extra Bus & Tram Services have been added over the three days to accommodate for event-goers. If you are heading south the best Tram stop is Surfers Paradise North and only 600 meters from Gate 6 entrance. If you are coming from the South, the Main Beach stop is closest to Gate 2 Entrance. Children 12 and under can ride certain public transport to and from the event free with any adult holding a ticket. (You can find the Children Under 12 Pass on the Supercars Website)
Find out more: http://www.surfersparadise.com/about/getting-here-and-parking/road-closures
The History
The Gold Coast Indy 300 was apart of the ‘American Open-Wheel Motor Race’ that took place in Surfers Paradise every year from 1991 – 2008. The event originally took place in March from 1991 – 1997 later moving to October in 1998 – 2008. By the late 1990s, the race became a well popular and well-attended event.
The events decline began in 2004 when the American Open-Wheel Racing Series’ popularity took a hit as NASCAR took over the American Racing scene. In November 2008 the Indy Racing League’s discussions with the Government broke down resulting in the QLD Government entering a 5-year agreement with the A1 Grand Prix. Severing the 18 years of friendship with the American Open-Wheel Racing.
It was announced in early 2009 that the QLD Government formed a partnership with IMG (International Management Group) to host a combined event with the “A1 Grand Prix” & the “V8 Supercar Championship Series” called the “Super GP”.
In mid-2009 Tony Teixeira the Chairman of the A1GP announced that the United Kingdom operating arm of the organisation had gone into liquidation, creating issues that prevented the cars from leaving the UK. Resulting in them pulling out of the 2009 Super GP. The A1GP refunded the ‘Gold Coast Motor Events Co.’ the sanction fee paid, and donated A$50,000 to a charity designated by the board as an apology for their last-minute withdrawal from the event.
As of 2010, the V8 Supercars became the sole participants of what is now known as the GC600.
Don’t forget to stay safe and hydrated this weekend & have fun!
