In a major annoucement today, V8 Supercars introduced a massive revamp of the Gold Coast SuperGP with the annual event in Queensland will be entirely re-branded and transformed into a massive ‘Gold Coast SuperCarnivale’ weekend with International co-drivers, a shortened version of the Surfers Paradise Circuit and Australian and International Music acts entertaining spectators in the new Broadwater Park entertainment area.
With event promotion moving to V8 Supercars Events, the Queensland Government and V8 Supercars Australia jointly announced that the Gold Coast fixture will be wholly re-invigorated in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the event this October.
The emphasis will be on extremely affordable ticketing and be all-inclusive of entertainment and live concerts. The world class V8 Supercars Australia events team headed up by Gold Coaster, Shane Howard, will take charge of the Gold Coast SuperCarnivale.
An additional focus will be on attracting interstate and international visitors back to the event.
“I would argue that no single event in Australian history has undergone the dramatic changes that are planned for this year’s SuperCarnivale on the Gold Coast,” V8 Supercars Australia Chairman Tony Cochrane said.
“Aside from a massive reduction to the size of the site it is also our absolute goal to transform it into a family style event.”
For the first time in the history of V8 Supercars, the event will become the third endurance race on the calendar alongside the prestigious L&H 500 at Phillip Island and Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. It will be raced over 600kms, 300kms each day, with each V8 Supercar team including an international co-driver
“In total we will have 17 international drivers, one for each V8 Supercar team, from around 14 different countries, driving for our teams, alongside our drivers across a 600km endurance weekend,” Mr Cochrane said.
Mr Cochrane confirmed that former Gold Coast winner Scott Pruett (USA), placegetter Alex Tagliani (Canada), reigning Australian Le Mans 24 Hour winner David Brabham, former Formula 1 and Champ Car stars Mark Blundell (England) and Christian Fittipaldi (Brazil) have already signed as co-drivers.
The complete race format and all 17 co-drivers will be announced at the event launch in April.
“There is no question that this event will have everything for everybody, including a massive international component in our visiting drivers. Their presence alone will spark massive interest around the world and compliments new world-wide television deals we are announcing next Wednesday at our season launch.”
The event, to be promoted by V8 Supercar Events, will be part of the inaugural V8 Grand Slam which could offer up to $2.5 million in prize money for a driver that wins the Gold Coast event, Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and the Sydney Telstra 500 in Sydney in the same year.
Key changes to the precinct include:
- The “footprint” of the circuit reduced from the current 4.49km to 2.96km, freeing up approximately 40% of the site for residents, business and other users
- The total build/dismantle time reduced by five weeks (from 14 weeks to 9)
- The event will run over three days – Friday to Sunday
- A shortened circuit to allow for the separation to the Surfers Paradise precinct
- Utilising the Broadwater Park for nightly entertainment featuring Australian and International artists – all included in the ticket price
Community considerations:
- Minimise disruption to residents
- The focus will be on re-engaging the community to be more inclusive going forward
- The event will have a full time, Gold Coast based General Manager
- A full time Community Liaison person to work in with the community and the Gold Coast City Council
- A Community Committee to oversee the event from all aspects of the local residents, businesses, traffic etc.
- Free up access to Budds Beach
The motorsport component to include:
- For the first time in history V8 Supercars will add a third endurance race to the calendar in addition to iconic races the L&H 500 at Phillip Island and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000
- The event will form the third leg of the soon to be announced Grand Slam offering a record $2.5 million prize pool
- 17 international drivers from around 14 countries will drive for the 17 V8 Supercar teams
- The international drivers will contest their own race on the Friday in their team V8 Supercar
- The main race will be over 600kms in two races – race one on Saturday and race two on Sunday
- Each race will have driver, fuel and tyre pit stops
The event will have its new name, new logo and be rebranded to reflect the Gold Coast and the family friendly style of event. It will also have a strong community engagement and consultation process.
The international co-drivers are all excited about the new event as it marks the return of some former drivers to the Gold Coast Streets.
“The Gold Coast and the October event have been synonymous with the world’s great motorsport events for many years and it is fantastic that this concept has been put together for its 20th anniversary celebrations." said American former NASCAR driver Scott Pruett.
“This will provide a real rejuvenation of the event and take it back to the glory days of the late 90s and early 00s. I loved my years on the Gold Coast, especially my victory in 1997 – ironically that year I was actually on my honeymoon with my wife, Judy.
“My drive in a V8 Supercar at Bathurst later that year was a great experience and one I am looking forward to repeating. I don’t need any excuse to come to Australia, so when I received a call to be part of this program I jumped at the chance.
“I think the opportunity to drive a V8 Supercar on one of the world’s greatest street courses will be pretty attractive to plenty of the world’s great drivers.”
Brazilian Ex-F1 and CART star, Christian Fittipaldi is also excited.
“When I heard about this concept and was contacted about being a part of it I was excited. V8 Supercars have built a fantastic reputation around the world and I am a fan of the Series.
“To have the chance of getting behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar on the streets of the Gold Coast will be fantastic. It is no secret that the Gold Coast was one of my favourite events anywhere in the world and I was fortunate to be a part of it through the most recent glory years of US open-wheel racing in the late 90s.
“I believe this concept, combined with the venue and enthusiasm of the promoter and fans, will make it one of the most desirable events in the world for any driver.
“I had one of my worst experiences at the track when I broken my leg at the first chicane in 1997, but even the way I was taken care of after that drama leaves fond memories of Surfers Paradise and Queensland with me.
“I cannot wait.”
Australian David Brabham is looking forward to the challenge of the Gold Coast streets.
“Unfortunately I have never had the chance to race on the Gold Coast before, but all that is about to change. The event is well known around the world and it has always been of extra interest to me because the Gold Coast is home to most of my family (including dad Sir Jack Brabham who won the 1959-60 and 66 F1 world titles and brother, Geoff, who is also a former Le Mans 24 Hour winner).
“It is one of the world’s toughest street circuits and attacking it in a V8 Supercar will be no easy task, especially for those who will be driving one for the first time. Fortunately I have done a few laps in a V8 over the years and I am looking forward to getting out there.
“I have a full season of ALMS racing for Highcroft Racing ahead of me in the US and other selected events, including the Le Mans 24 Hour, but then we head home for what should be a terrific week.”
Ticketing and on sale dates will be released shortly via the official V8 Supercar website at www.v8supercars.com.au
Map of the New Gold Coast Circuit - Download High Res Map