[V8SC10R19&20] Armor All Gold Coast 600 (Merged x2)

[Oldtony]

Fascinated that there is as yet no response on this forum to the Official Launch of the Gold Coast 600.
Big PR night, lot of local hoopla, announcement of the visiting drivers and the bands for the Broadwater Parklands Rockfest, and Tony telling us that this is going to be the greatest Touring Car Race ever.
Locally it has recieved good coverage in the Gold Coast Bulletin, who are on board to deliver "free passes" to kids accompanied by an adult and various competitions. Bit of coverage on the local TV news.
Big fuss made about Jaques Villeneuve not being at the opening because of the aviation ash crisis, and pre recorded video interviews with Will Power and Ryan Briscoe.
After all this fuss at the local level has there been any coverage at all outside the local area? I notice the Australian came up with a reprint of a PR release saying "bare boobs banned" but no other coverage. Did it get any mileage at all away from the Gold Coast.
Given the Health debate and the Storm storm it is understandable I suppose, but you would think it would get some coverage, and some interest, in a forum like this one.

[bortall]

Maybe nobody cares!!!!

[davester]

Who is interested in a "one make" championship? No one it seems.

[NewsStalker]

Maybe it hasn't been reported because of the scepticism about the event actually eventuating?

No that's a bit harsh - maybe it will happen, but apparently nobody really cares any more???

[Oldtony]

Originally Posted by NewsStalker

No that's a bit harsh - maybe it will happen, but apparently nobody really cares any more???

Where are you when we need you Stealthy?

[Boxy]

I for one am looking forward to this event. I have been going to 'Indy' since 1995 and sure it's a shadow of it's former self but I really think the Gold Coasters will support it. I reckon we will even see people buying a 3 day pass just to attend 3 nights of concerts. Not a bad deal really.

I must say though I'm scepitcal about the shortened track...It was a nightmare trying to get to the back esses from the hill, and now with (potentially) the same sort of crowd figures coming through the gates it will peak hour up that end of the circuit.. Coupled with the loss of income for business' in the cut-off area of the track I'm not sure shortening it is the way to go. Time will tell I guess!

As for the internationals, I think we are very fortunate to have the line-up headed our way.. Ex F1 drivers, former open wheel winners at the circuit, current tin-top champs from around the world plus throw in a couple of local heroes and it should make for an interesting spectacle.. Sure there may be carnage but it will be intriuging to see how some of these 'stars' adapt to our cars...you never know, some might be quick!

Bring it on

[Robert Ryan]

As for the internationals, I think we are very fortunate to have the line-up headed our way.. Ex F1 drivers, former open wheel winners at the circuit, current tin-top champs from around the world plus throw in a couple of local heroes and it should make for an interesting spectacle.. Sure there may be carnage but it will be intriuging to see how some of these 'stars' adapt to our cars...you never know, some might be quick!

Bring it on

It will be fascinating with that lineup of overseas talent.

[porsche91722]

Originally Posted by Boxy

As for the internationals, I think we are very fortunate to have the line-up headed our way......
Sure there may be carnage but it will be intriuging to see how some of these 'stars' adapt to our cars...you never know, some might be quick!

Bring it on

I'm not sure if you were being sarcastic or not, with the "stars" comment, however I think it is a great line up. Just a bit of a shame that they will have to show their wares at that place. I would have preferred to see them all line up at P.I. or Bathurst.

[STEALTHY]

Originally Posted by Oldtony

Where are you when we need you Stealthy?

I'm here, but i dont know what i need to say to that. He seems to have his headlights in the right place.


Why no press? My opinion might be the same as others, shortened track is a **** idea, internationals are a **** idea (and its still not been explained how 18 drivers will drive 28 cars over the weekend.....) so no-one cares.

I had to do a double take aswell, the V8 site is all about the Ipswich 300, i thought it might be the same event for a minute.....lol

[xrystl]

The local businesses don't give a rats for it - they did there collective arses with the stuff up that was last years event - talk back radio on the coast gives it the big thumbs down - A handfull of internationals driving local cars in a local series replacing what used to be a true international event hardly cuts it in there book - Local businesses needed the international big spenders on the coast for Indy to make up for the loss of business because of the disruption that is caused by track/grandstand and other construction for a lengthy period which reduces people and vehicle traffic to a crawl through the business district with no stopping /standing/parking anywhere near the precinct - the V8 crowd are not big spenders (Councils take on the big loss of local traders revenue) at the 09 event - the organizers can talk it up all they like as it seems that they are the only ones really interested in the "Band-aid" event - the locals want it even less than they wanted Indy .

[cavvy]

Only the boobs caught my eye in the Melbourne press !

[fordo]

Originally Posted by xrystl

The local businesses don't give a rats for it - they did there collective arses with the stuff up that was last years event - talk back radio on the coast gives it the big thumbs down - A handfull of internationals driving local cars in a local series replacing what used to be a true international event hardly cuts it in there book - Local businesses needed the international big spenders on the coast for Indy to make up for the loss of business because of the disruption that is caused by track/grandstand and other construction for a lengthy period which reduces people and vehicle traffic to a crawl through the business district with no stopping /standing/parking anywhere near the precinct - the V8 crowd are not big spenders (Councils take on the big loss of local traders revenue) at the 09 event - the organizers can talk it up all they like as it seems that they are the only ones really interested in the "Band-aid" event - the locals want it even less than they wanted Indy .

Agreed. Interesting that according to the Bulletin they are calling in the Legends again to pad out the event. Might go just to see them again. Stuff the rest. Boring !!!

[NaBUru38]

You shouldn't complain about the guests list, it's awsome.

[Robert Ryan]

A handfull of internationals driving local cars in a local series replacing what used to be a true international event hardly cuts it in there book

Some handfull. What International event? The Indycar races at Surfers in the last couple of years, had a "man and dog" audience in the US and elsewhere.
Give the event a go then criticize.

[RotorFan]

It doesn't excite me much. Its cool to have the names, but will it making the racing more exciting?

In their rush to commercialise the "sport", they've missed the point of what motorsport is about. Fair enough they want to make money and build the business, but its all too often at the expense of motorsport.

Take a crap movie with a crap script and set - will paying Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson to appear make it worth watching? Depends on how big a fan you are of the blokes I suppose. Thing is, most V8 Supercar fans won't know any of these "big international names".

Personally I'd rather see Salo racing a Ferrari F430 in a round of ALMS, or Priaulx racing his BMW in a round of the WTCC. Then I'd be there!

[D.R.T.]

I think its hard to get too excited when you have leading drivers commenting that 'anyone with enough cereal coupons' can get a ride at the event.

Doesn't really inspire confidence.

[Robert Ryan]

It doesn't excite me much. Its cool to have the names, but will it making the racing more exciting?

Thing is, most V8 Supercar fans won't know any of these "big international names"

Well you would be vastly underrating the knowledge of the average fan or you are pretty unaware yourself of who they are?

This is a list of the Drivers.
Sebastien Bourdais France Dick Johnson Racing
- David Brabham Australia Stone Brothers Racing
- Ryan Briscoe Australia Toll Holden Racing Team
- Scott Dixon NZ Jack Daniel's Racing
- Dario Franchitti Scotland Jim Beam Racing
- Heinz-Harald Frentzen Germany Wilson Security Racing
- Fabrizio Giovanardi Italy Brad Jones Racing
- Patrick Long USA Fujitsu Racing
- Alain Menu Switzerland Brad Jones Racing
- Tiago Monteiro Portugal Centaur Racing
- Gianni Morbidelli Italy Triple F Racing
- Yvan Muller France Paul Morris Motorsport
- Will Power Australia Ford Performance Racing
- Andy Priaulx UK TeamVodafone
- Scott Pruett USA Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport
- Mika Salo Finland Bundaberg Red Racing Team
- Alex Tagliani Canada Kelly Racing
- Jacques Villeneuve Canada The Bottle-O Racing Team-

I would assume you would like to see the " Fender Bender" Final at Parramatta or the IPRA 2nd race at Philip Island?

[cptkablamo]

I have been a big nay sayer to this but even I am willing to give it a chance this year. I don't understand how some of those drivers will be driving two cars, nor do I understand why they didn't just get 28 drivers. I mean there are going to be a whole bunch of other drivers out there looking to drive one of these things.

Any driver that says this

I think its hard to get too excited when you have leading drivers commenting that 'anyone with enough cereal coupons' can get a ride at the event.

is obviously an idiot who has not real idea on international motor racing and should get their heads out of their own butts. No one in that list is an idiot and all race on street courses as a matter of course - or at least did when they were racing.

Should they run this before Sydney - I don't really care - it is after Bathurst, that is important. And give me a year where they haven't beaten up cars at the Gold Coast...

BTW it has felt utterly bizarre to defend this race and I hope that a single seater international or sportscar series returns in 2011.

I am particularly looking forward to seeing how Pat Long gets on and I think it is sad that more established GT2 drivers, Grand Am drivers and GT1 WC drivers aren't getting seat time here.

[rustyinsthoz]

I would love to know how much these international drivers are being paid.

[cavvy]

Brad Jones has 2 x internationals whereas 888,HRT,SBR etc.

Not convincing ...

[NinnyMan]

Originally Posted by cavvy

Brad Jones has 2 x internationals whereas 888,HRT,SBR etc.

Not convincing ...

Well not really.
Fabrizio Giovanardi is contracted to the Britek entry of Reindler - who's entry is prepared by BJR. REC is owned by Brighty.
So technically they only have 1 international attached to THEIR REC's, just like 888, HRT, SBR, FPR, DJR and everyone else.

[NinnyMan]

Originally Posted by cptkablamo

Any driver that says this is obviously an idiot who has not real idea on international motor racing and should get their heads out of their own butts. No one in that list is an idiot and all race on street courses as a matter of course - or at least did when they were racing.

Led to believe that quote can be attributed to our championship leader???

None on the list are mugs and should handle themselves like the
professionals that they are. Will there be damage?? Of-course!!!
But our championship leader did that all by himself last year, with
no help from any international drivers.

[Green Hornet]

Originally Posted by D.R.T.

I think its hard to get too excited when you have leading drivers commenting that 'anyone with enough cereal coupons' can get a ride at the event.

Doesn't really inspire confidence.

Didn't think it would inspire anything positive for you.

[HSVDT]

Originally Posted by xrystl

The local businesses don't give a rats for it - they did there collective arses with the stuff up that was last years event

The Local business sector last year may have be down opposed to previous years, but they were still glad that the event went ahead considering the A1GP pulled the pin at the eleventh hour.

Originally Posted by xrystl

talk back radio on the coast gives it the big thumbs down - A handfull of internationals driving local cars in a local series replacing what used to be a true international event hardly cuts it in there book

Obviously you take talk back Radio to gospel and you call 18 International drivers a handfull of drivers get real.

Originally Posted by xrystl

The locals want it even less than they wanted Indy

Do you have any factual stats to back this up?

Someone said that they hope that a single seater international series returns in 2011. Well there is a big possibility that a single seater series may just return to the Gold Coast but it may not be until 2012 as the GCCC and state Governments want an international event at all costs and have been looking at various international series for the past 12 months.

[NewsStalker]

Originally Posted by HSVDT

GCCC and state Governments want an international event at all costs and have been looking at various international series for the past 12 months.

This quote has to be the biggest kick in the teeth V8SCA can possibly get - as well as (hopefully) telling them what Australian V8 fans have been trying to say for the past 10 years.

V8SCA will tell you that their series IS an International Series (and, of course they will tell you over and over and over that it is the BEST International Series in the world.

The reality of it is, though, that is still a trumped up local series that runs in a few overseas locations and nothing more.