Covid, Bathurst combine to create Gold Coast 500 uncertainty

The Gold Coast 500 could be rescheduled or even dropped in favour of the Bathurst 1000, as the Covid threat hangs in the air.

Queensland’s largest sporting event could be under threat for a second year with motor racing organisers weighing up shifting the Gold Coast 500 in favour of the pinnacle Bathurst 1000 race.

The Surfers Paradise street race is slated to be held on the first weekend of December, however uncertainty created by Covid-19 has put the event under a cloud.

Queensland’s December event could be rescheduled or even dropped in favour of the Bathurst 1000, which Supercars management say is the priority.

The Gold Coast 500 hasn’t been held since 2019.

Talks are ongoing between motor racing executives, Queensland Health, the Gold Coast City Council and state government about rescheduling – with stakeholders declaring the event is currently progressing as planned.

However, adding to the difficulty is the huge logistic challenge of building the seaside circuit, which takes about six weeks and includes hundreds of tonnes of temporary concrete fencing, buildings and curbing.

A spokesman for Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) indicated Supercars organisers were keen to proceed with the Gold Coast race as planned.

“TEQ remains committed to working with event proponents to ensure the best outcome for Queensland’s economy,” the spokesman said.

Red Bull Holden Racing driver Jamie Whincup competing on the Gold Coast in 2019. Picture: Brendan Radke

A spokesman for Supercars said the category was continuing discussions with the state government and Gold Coast City Council on planning for the Gold Coast 500.

“We understand all too well the affects Covid can have on our major events and will continue to monitor the situation in each state while pushing towards putting on world-class events to complete the 2021 Repco Supercars Championship,” he said.

Covid-19 has forced Supercars executives to largely ditch temporary street circuits in favour of permanent venues with a reduced build time.

Earlier this year Townsville’s hybrid circuit was used to host a Supercars double-header.

The category had planned to return to Queensland Raceway at Ipswich before the New South Wales and Victorian Covid-19 outbreak forced the race to be cancelled.

Originally published as Covid, Bathurst combine to create Gold Coast 500 uncertainty