V8 Supercars Australia Chairman Tony Cochrane helps get the party started ahead of the October 22-24 Armor All Gold Coast 600.
More news
By Briar Gunther 1:33 PM Wed 15 September, 2010
Source: BigPond Sport
Construction has started for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 five weeks later than usual due to a more compact track.
The delay was deliberate to drastically decrease the build time, with the first overhead bridge crossing the Gold Coast Highway installed this morning (Wednesday).
"We are just now beginning construction whereas in previous years we would have been standing here in the middle of August," V8 Supercars Australia Chairman, Tony Cochrane, said.
"The track changes provide less disruption as we prepare for the Gold Coast's biggest party, and also give the fans increased opportunities to see V8 Supercars in action, better racing and more passing opportunities.
"As a three-day event, there will also be a reduced effect on traffic during the week of the race, with less road closures, especially around the Main Beach area, which will now be open to all traffic with a two-hour parking limit in effect."
V8 Supercars Australia Chief Executive Officer, Martin Whitaker, agreed with Cochrane in saying the Armor All Gold Coast 600 is the party the Gold Coast has to have.
"The Gold Coast is hurting right now, certainly the retail community and restaurants and what have you," Whitaker told BigPond Sport.
"It is the party that the Gold Coast needs to have and that's perhaps the best strap line for this whole event and it will be a hell of a party because of the Rock 'N' Race element really seems to be working.
"You saw what happened with Homebush last year with Cold Chisel; I think the 16 bands on the Gold Coast is great."
Cochrane said the 600 Sounds presented by Hard Rock concert element would complement the motor racing with its unique international aspect.
"Where else will you see these kinds of drivers, musical acts and all round entertainment all together?" he said.
"We are talking about drivers like former Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, North America's most successful road course racer and 1997 Gold Coast winner Scott Pruett and Indy 500 winner, Gold coast winner and reigning IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti, just to mention a few.
"Line those guys up against our V8 Supercar heroes and then look at music from acts like the Beach Boys, Baby Animals, Ian Carey, Empire of the Sun, Sneaky Sound System and the Potbelleez, and then take into account that a three-day ticket is just $136 - if you are going to party once this year this is the event to do it!"
Following the withdrawal of the A1GP category from last year's Gold Coast event, Whitaker said it was imperative that the 2010 event is a success.
"Of course we want to grow it back to where it was," he said.
"I think it had a massive reputation; it has slipped but Tony would be the first to say it's up to us now to turn it around."
Whitaker enthusiastically described the Armor All Gold Coast 600 as one of the category's signature events.
"It is one of those real stand-out events for us and it's a pretty special event as well.
"It's in its 20th year and it's internationally known. I mean how good is that race when you see some of the images of the cars not only racing around high-rise buildings but then going along with the beach on one side... it's a great event.
"There's no doubt about it, this year's Gold Coast event is going to be great and I think this whole international component from the international race drivers coming in is just going to add spice and excitement to the whole event."
WebMail
My BigPond
