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."

[boxhead]

I heard this on the radio this morning and thought it was a good idea.

Would attract a larger world wide market.

[spookypt]

BUGGER! Looks like WOODSTOCK for pi$$heads continues.. Lets hope if nothing else they give some of the old organisers the boot too....been there too long and got a superiority complex you couldn't jump over...

I think the new league is a good idea if we have to have the event....but I'd like to see some repsonsibility taken for all the drop kicks who come in and smash lights, bottles and wreck peoples parked cars.... It's a joke and if it happened in Anna Blighs street there'd be heads roled!!!!! Us locals are still waiting for our streets to be cleaned and thats after we already have!!!! The INdy experience is left everywhere in shattered glass!!

Spend the money on a purpose built international track at Pimpama that will benefit all and only afect a few kolas and some sugar cane! At least then people can enjoy it and LEAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Off said SOAP BOX!

[Wazza]

I agree spook...

Brings plenty of people, but would love to see a complex built at Pimpama/Jacobs Well/ Norwell.... out amongst the sugar cane.

Imagine a purpose built F1 track, complete with huge grandstands, and accomodation etc.
Got 30? - 60? - 100 million spare ?.....let's do it !

That might be a place to hold the Cobra Nationals in Queensland ....Huh?...Huh?

I also hate the crap we all go through leading up to, and immediately following the event.

[tomcat racing]

maybe they wont be so uptight about laying some smokeys on their precious track. tomcat

[David Hodgson]

Originally Posted by Wazza

I also hate the crap we all go through leading up to, and immediately following the event.

Wazza, You guys up there must have the patience of saints. With the place growing so fast, it seems every corner turned you are faced with road works, then to have the Indy disruption each year in the centre of town

[steeler]

I suppose that’s what you get when your “Beautiful one day, perfect the next”

[BMK]

Mmmm a progressive State Leader by the sounds of things. Melbourne is still bending over for F1 Bernie...