The Gold Coast 600 is revving up to be bigger and better than ever before with the Palaszczuk Government and council committed to working with Supercars on a new night race format in coming years.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has today given the green light for Supercars to begin discussions with Gold Coast City Council, local businesses and residents about a potential future night race.
By hosting the GC600 at night, the Gold Coast could boast the first touring car event in the world held on a street track – under lights.
It comes as the Minister confirmed a new five-year deal to keep the Supercars on the Gold Coast until 2025.
"By growing major events like the GC600, we're creating tourism jobs for Gold Coasters," she said.
"By upgrading lighting along the course, we can make the GC600 one of the most iconic motorsport events on the planet.
"Our economic modelling shows this would boost revenue by more than $25 million – cash that will go straight back to local businesses and support local jobs."
Ms Jones said the GC600 would be one of two street races under lights held on the planet – second only to F1's Singapore fixture.
"Major events are in the Gold Coast's DNA and the tourism industry is part of the backbone of the Gold Coast's economy – that's why this just makes sense," she said.
"The GC600 is a great national event. But by racing under lights, we can tap into a new global motorsport market that could have huge benefits for tourism on the Coast.
"The GC600 is another great example of our partnership approach delivering for the economy, with Gold Coast City Council a vital partner in securing Supercars action for the city."
Assistant Tourism Industry Development Meaghan Scanlon said the GC600 last year generated more than $55 million for the Coast.
"Businesses have come to rely on that boost around October. That's why today's announcement is so important – giving confidence to tourism operators that they can rely on the GC600 into the future," she said.
"We're committed to working with Supercars to grow the GC600 and the night racing component could play a vital role in taking this iconic event to the next level."
Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said all the indications were that sports fans would get the best outcome from a Gold Coast 600 that was bigger and better than ever before.
"The GC600 is an iconic race on one of the worlds most challenging circuits – and now this new format will boost the event to a must-see on the international motorsport calendar," he said.
"Over the last two years our Queensland based drivers have set the circuit on fire in Surfers Paradise, so we're building on that legacy so Queenslanders like Jack Smith get to inspire the next generation of Queensland sportsmen and women on a home track.
"Our approach has involved investigating every possible international motor sport option for the Gold Coast and our due-dilligence shows a souped-up GC 600 will keep fans coming back for more."
Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said night racing on the Gold Coast would take the event to a new level.
"Premier Palaszczuk and her government share the vision of staging one of the most spectacular sporting and entertainment events ever seen in this country," Mr Seamer said.
"This will elevate the Gold Coast 600 to one of the premier motorsport events in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the first time touring cars have ever been under lights at a street circuit, anywhere.
"It will bring thousands of additional visitors to Queensland and the Gold Coast for what will be an unbelievable event with Supercars in full flight under lights and in prime time."
