Bumper opening day at Gold Coast 600 has V8s boss confident of a roaring weekend

V8 SUPERCARS boss James Warburton could not wipe the smile off his face as thousands of people filled the course before the real action even started.

Gold Coast 600 action from Friday. V8 Supercar boss James Wharburton. Picture Glenn Hampson

V8 SUPERCARS Australia boss James Warburton could not wipe the smile off his face yesterday as tens of thousands of people filed through the Surfers Paradise race gates — before the real action even started.

The trams between Broadbeach and Southport were packed and people waiting to get through security and move around the Gold Coast 600 track were forced to be patient as large numbers of race fans turned up for practice day.

Mr Warburton is expecting the final tally through the gates to hit 180,000 people for the three days — which is close to the strong attendance figure of 181,000 two years ago.

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About 20,000 of the crowd will be visitors and, based on the average tourism expenditure figures, they will pump about $17 million into the Gold Coast economy.

Spectators took advantage of G: Link trams to get to the track. Picture: David Clark

Another 50,000 people on top of that turned up for the V8 Superfest events this year, which was up by about 20 per cent on the year before.

Mr Warburton said he was feeling “on top of the world” yesterday.

“We are expecting it to be well up on last year,” he said.

“I am hoping for 180,000 through the gates. Crowd numbers were good at Bathurst and it should be the same here.”

Mr Warburton said the tight V8 race competition was helping to boost crowd numbers at the sport’s main events this year.

Crowds packed high-rise balconies as well as the race grounds. Picture: Jerad Williams

“The racing is the best it has ever been. No one knows who will be the fastest. It is so unpredictable,” he said.

Mr Warburton also pointed to the reinvention of the race to explain the strong ticket sales — with this year’s crowd pleasers including the return of the drags, introduction of Club 600 and changes to the entertainment line-up.

There has also been a push to pump up the VIP experience, with airconditioned and glass-sealed boxes available for the first time this year.

Premier Campbell Newman will be among the VIP guests today and a major international figure is also rumoured to be attending over the weekend.

Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Ben Pole said the event delivered a big injection to the city’s tourism industry.

Sponsor and corporate areas were also packed. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“The race brings with it thousands of visitors, millions in visitor expenditure, mass media promotion and signals the start of the busy season for the Gold Coast tourism ­industry.

“Already the long days and warm weather are attracting more weekend and short-stay visitors before the summer holiday season starts officially.

“Major events like the Gold Coast 600 really boost potential visitors interest and ­impetus to come.”