I did this one up for yas a while ago...pick it to bits, any more questions FWD them this way...i just about live at the track and have walked around several million times, during and after race weekend.CIRCUIT NAME Gold Coast Indycar Circuit
ADDRESSES:
Racetrack: Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
WEB SITE:
http://www.indy.com.au
CIRCUIT STATS:
Length: 2.795 miles/4.995 km
Width: Varies, approx 10m
HISTORY/BACKGROUND: After controversial beginnings in 1991, has played host to an annual Cart race since, with some memorable races along the way.
In 1991, John Andretti was a surprise winner aboard the Hall Chevrolet/Lola sponsored by Pennzoil. He beat the field who left the race either the crashing out, or by mechanical failure. The race has always been tough on equipment in both these respects, with transmissions always coming under fire. In 1992 Emerson Fittipaldi won a dramatic race, which featured a tropical down pour mid race. The Gold Coast became the center of worldwide attention in 1993, when as the opening race of the Indycar series, saw the debut race of reigning formula one champion Nigel Mansell. He won, and won convincingly from pole in a performance which brought the Gold Coast to its feet.
Michael Andretti, the prodigal son, returned from formula one to win Reynards first ever race on debut for the marque in 1994. Once again it rained, and several stoppages meant that the race finished early, under street lights at nearly 6 PM. Andretti once again featured in the 1995 edition, with gearbox problems he crashed out of a podium position on the last lap. His team mate, and these days sparring partner Paul Tracy took the win.
In 1996 Jimmy Vasser not only won on the Gold Coast, but took out the championship, starting an incredible run for Chip Ganasi racing. The start of the 1997 race was unfortunately punctuated by the unfortunate crash of Christian Fittiapldi on the start of the second lap. Scott Pruett went on to take the win for Patrick Racing. 1998 saw an enthralling battle for the lead between title protagonists Alex Zanardi and Dario Franchitti, with the victory coming in Zanardi’s favour. Franchitti only had to wait 12 months before his victory in the 1999 race.
HOW TO GET THERE:
By car: From Brisbane, take the Pacific Highway south, and then take the Smith Street Connection. The circuit is just north of the centre of Surfers Paradise.
By train: Robina Station, where connection busses will take you straight to the front gate.
Best place to park car: Anywhere where you can fit your car! Depends on what time you get to the track, but from personal experience, if you arrive early you can get a park north of the Nerarng River, a short walk from the track. The authorities advise you to park at the Parklands Showgrounds (off Smith Street) where buses take you to the gate.
WHERE TO STAND:
By popularity: The hill on the inside of the northern hairpin is always popular with the girls and boys, there is plenty of atmosphere, most of which is provided by the bar!
Other popular places are the chicanes, if you don't have a grandstand seat, it may be difficult to to get a good spot.
Overtaking: Either the ANA Hotel corner, or on the entry to the first chicane on the beach side of the track.
Fast part: The main straight if you have a grandstand seat, the run under the bridge at the Gold Coast International Hotel, or somewhere along the back straight, near the entry to the Fosters Chicane.
Slow part: The Hairpin is the slowest part on the track, although the esses just preceeding the hairpin are also very interesting.
Grandstand/seating: At all of the chicanes, main straight, and several of the corners. For value for money, the hairpin is the way to go, especially with the big screen opposite. Although the chicane seating may be more expensive, the action (especially around the Fosters Chicane) is incredible.
ADMISSION COSTS: Granstands:
Fittipaldi Flexi -$130 -Various locations, first come fist served basis
Disabled Stand -$130 -Main straight
Unser Stand -$185 -Hairpin
Andretti Stand -$240 -ANA Hotel Corner/Main Straight
Brabham Stand -$400 -Fosters Chicane
Chequered Flag Club -$500 -Fosters Chicane -Luxury
General Admission:
From $24 for Thursday to $100 for weekend.
Tickets available from Ticketek or 1300303103
PIT ACCESS: You can walk through the back of the Indy Pits, but you need to take a pit walk to go up near the cars. The V8 pits are down near the ANA Hotel, and is free to enter. Other support classes are in various places including hotel car parks, and at Sea World. Access to these areas are sometimes restricted.
WHERE'S THE BEST?
Food/drinks: There is normally a wide selection at the northern hairpin.
Toilets: Spread the whole way around the track, but there are usually a large number at the hairpin and in the pits.
Merchandise: Limited, although the best shot for team merchandise is at the back of the Cart pits. Event merchadise is available around the track.
BYO food/drink: No bottles.
WEATHER:
Where to go if it rains: Under your umbrella! Not too much choice, unless you strick it lucky.
Any special local conditions: The weather in the morning is not always the weather in the afternoon, so be warned. However since the race was moved to October, the weather has been greatly improved.
WHERE TO TAKE PHOTOS: There are really only 2 options for not getting the safety cathc fence in your photos: from the tops of the grandstands or find a gap in the fence. Fast films and shutter speeds are the order of the day, and a long lense if from the grandstands.
COMMENTARY:
Auidible PA: Dodgy, but you can't hear when the cars are in your area, its far too loud.
Local radio: 98.5 FM, good coverage, bring your walkman.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 2000 CALENDAR: Honda Indy 300, 12-15 October 2000.
BEST MEETINGS OF 1999: The Honda Indy 300 was won in 1999 by Team Kool Green driver Dario Franchitti.
WHERE TO STAY:
Hotels: There are many hotels/motels within the circuit boundaries, and these require an accomodation pass. Major hotels within the circuit are the Gold Coast International and the ANA hotel. The official hotel is the Marriott Surfers Paradise, which is just over on the other side of the Highway near the first chicane.
Indy Travel can be contacted on 1800300055
The Queensland Government Travel Center can be contacted at 131801
Qantas Holidays can be contacted at 131415
Campground: N/A
Nearest Shops: Surfers Paradise to the south, or Australia Fair to the north.
Local Attractions: Its the Gold Coast! There's the beach, the shops, the theme parks etc etc...