Tim Slade prepares for bigger challenge ahead of GC500
As Supercars star Tim Slade prepares for the Gold Coast 500 this weekend, he’s getting ready for an even greater challenge.
Gold Coast 500
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast 500. Followed categories will be added to My News.
As Supercars star Tim Slade prepares for the Gold Coast 500 this weekend, he’s also preparing for another challenge: the birth of his second child.
After the whirlwind birth of now two-year-old Jordan with fiance Dani Byrnes, the couple are hoping for a much smoother arrival of their baby girl in January.
Jordan was born amid Covid chaos just days before Bathurst in October 2020.
“We had Jordy, spent a few nights in hospital and two nights at home and then I was in Bathurst for the week,” Slade said.
“That was when there was the whole quarantine bubble in the border, so I had to come back and do two weeks of that (quarantine).
“It wasn’t until about six weeks that we got home and could settle in. “
Luckily, this time the arrival will come during the off-season.
“I am looking forward to it,” partner Byrnes said.
“When you have your first one you never really know what to expect, but I think we’ve got it all under control now.
“Jordy had his second birthday the other weekend and we’re ready to expand the family and give Jordy a little friend.”
Slade said the support of his own family from Adelaide and Byrnes’ on the Gold Coast made it possible for them to both work, with Byrnes balancing several online businesses, instructing at KX Pilates and being a full-time mum.
“I think we’re pretty lucky in that we have a lot of support up here close to home with Dani’s family,” Slade said.
“All of my family are still in Adelaide but my mum comes up once a month and stays with us, and she normally times it around the race weekend when I go away.”
Slade said there were “always tough times” with children, but the couple had worked hard on finding a balance between work and family.
“I can be away for a week but then I can be home for the next two weeks in between races so I definitely feel as though were fortunate to be in the position we’re in,” Slade said.
“There’s always tough times with kids but you sort of have to put it all into perspective and I think we’re pretty fortunate and lucky to have the support we have.”
The pair moved to the Gold Coast individually in 2009, and it wasn’t until mutual friends introduced the pair that romance struck in 2010.
But Slade said if it wasn’t for the grid girls back then, he’s not sure how he would have met ‘the one’.
“We crossed paths without realising the year before (we moved to the Gold Coast),” Slade said.
“Dani used to do some promo work in racing and presented me with a trophy at an awards night in 2008 at the Supercars Gala.
“We didn’t know at the time, I had no idea (we had met). It wasn’t until we looked back at a photo that we realised we had met then.
“I don’t know how they expect drivers to find partners now there’s no grid girls,” Slade joked.
Between them the pair have spent decades around Supercars, but Slade and Byrnes said they weren’t planning to put any pressure on Jordy or the new bub to join the racing scene — although that hasn’t stopped little Jordy already taking an interest.
“We won’t be pushing anything in particular, racing is such a tough sport and it’s so money driven,” Slade said.
“He does have about 200 toy cars,” Byrnes added.
“The childcare he goes to they say he’s obsessed with all the cars and tries to take them home, so he is very interested in them.”
“I’m hoping it’s just a boy phase — he loves trucks, planes, cars and helicopters,” Slade said.
Off the track: Why the drivers are sticking to the Coast
They’re the heroes of Supercars — and one way or another now call the Gold Coast home.
Covid may have forced the class of Supercars head to the sunshine state, but it was the sunny beaches, cafe scene and relaxed lifestyle which convinced them to stay.
Meet the Coast-based Supercars drivers and find out why they love calling the Glitter Strip home.
ANDRE HEIMGARTNER
Based in Sorrento, Heimgartner moved to the Gold Coast from New Zealand in 2012, with a stint in Melbourne in 2015.
The Kiwi said while he loves the Coast, he’s not yet made up his mind if it’s forever home.
“We’ll wait and see, it’s the best place to be weather wise and I obviously enjoy living here so definitely the next three or four years will be Coast based,” Heimgartner said.
Best local hangs: “Manolas Brothers is a really good Italian place on the Isle of Capri, Main Beach there’s a good French cafe, those are the main ones we love.
Where you can find him on days off: “On my days off I’ll be training at the gym and in cafes and at home.
“In the summer we’ll go to the beach most days and find a little spot here on the Spit.”
ANTON DE PASQUALE
Runaway Bay based driver De Pasquale moved to the gold Coast in 2020 during Covid when the sport relocated to the sunshine state, and hasn’t looked back since.
“I haven’t gone home since and I’ve changed teams in the meantime between all that, so it’s become permanent,” De Pasquale said.
“Obviously the weather’s awesome and it’s such a cool spot for us with our training and the lifestyle. After long weeks away it’s always good to come back here to such a nice place.”
When can you find him on days off?: “I’m either cycling somewhere, out on the jetski or in the workshop. Generally I’m somewhere along the beachline doing something.”
TIM SLADE
Mermaid Waters driver Slade moved from Adelaide in 2009 and has called the Gold Coast home since.
“I wouldn’t live anywhere else,” Slade said.
“I’m pretty weather driven, that’s why I enjoy the Gold Coast so much.
“We (Slade and partner Dani) love being outdoors and exploring.
I don’t really like the hustle and bustle of big cities like Melbourne or Sydney, the Gold Coast has that Adelaide vibe where it’s like a big country town and it’s a bit laid back.”
Best local hangs: Slade favours Glenelg Public House and Bonita Bonita, while Dani’s favourite coffee spots are All-Time Coffee and Elk Espresso at Broadbeach.
JACK SMITH
Paradise Waters driver Jack Smith grew up in the Gold Coast and has been here his whole life.
“I grew up surfing, I’m not much different to most other people around here. At the moment I’ve got no real plan to change just yet.”
Best local hangs: “ I don’t get out much but anywhere that makes a good chocolate thickshake.”
BRODIE KOSTECKI
Kostecki has been on the Gold Coast since 2019 and is yet another driver who isn’t making plans to leave.
“It just made sense being on the east coast for racing, and the Gold Coast was the best place to live I thought.
“It’s got good weather, great people, it’s a great town.
“(I love) the atmosphere, it’s a very fun vibey place and I love living here, I’m from Perth and it does remind me of Perth a bit.
Best local hangs: “I’m a fan of the Cali Beach Club, it’s a good place to go hang out and the food is good, it’s a great place to have a drink and relax in the off season.”
BROC FEENEY
Gold Coast local Broc Feeney grew up on the coast and attended All Saints Anglican School.
“The Gold Coast has always been my home and I think it will be for a very long time,” Feeney said.
“It is much quieter than the CBD life, but still has everything to offer. The weather is always good and is only one hour from work.”
‘Three-day party’: GC500 concert line-up unveiled
GC500 bosses will unveil a “great spectacle” for this year’s race which will dramatically shake up the event, as the first plans for night racing on the streets of Surfers Paradise have been revealed.
Brand new GC 500 event to emulate success of ‘crowd favourite’
It’s hoped a shiny new drifting event can emulate the success of a previous crowd favourite and show the nation how the sport has evolved as the Gold Coast 500 aims to regain its “point of difference”. Details.