Gold Coast Loses Indy.

[Wazza]

For those who might be interested.

I think this is the way to go, and already looking forward to it next year.

The Queensland Government has scrapped its involvement with the Indy car race on the Gold Coast in favour of an emerging racing league.

The Indy Racing League had wanted the event shifted from late October but the Government refused.

Premier Anna Bligh says the Government has instead signed a five-year deal with organisers of the A1 international race, which attracts about 700 million television viewers worldwide.

Ms Bligh says the new league is a great opportunity for the Coast.

"The A1 GP, for all the racing fans out there, they know this is a new and emerging race," she said.

"It's very similar to the Indy race but one significant difference - instead of cars racing for the company that's sponsoring them, the cars are entered representing the countries of origins.

"So it's a major international event and Australians will see an Australian team up against teams from around the world.

"It has international class, it is a very exciting opportunity for a new-look racing carnival at the Gold Coast.

" Along with the V8s that are very popular, we will see a great international motor racing event."

Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke tried to put a positive spin on losing the Indy cars, saying the A1 series is probably more attractive to race fans.

"Well really we're only changing the type of cars - in fact this is probably a better car, a better sort of a racing car, faster - a Formula One type," he said.

"So I don't think it changes it of a matter at all, it's only just a name."