Future of Gold Coast IndyCar: red light or green light as State Government backs V8s
Hopes that IndyCars could return to the streets of the Gold Coast have been dashed, with one crucial factor the major sticking point.
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THE return of the IndyCar series to the streets of Surfers Paradise has stalled amid fears the start-up costs could be as much as $150 million.
The Government today confirmed the American open wheelers will not be returning to the Gold Coast.
Labor’s focus is on a five-year new deal with V8 Supercars and the potential pulling power of night racing.
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Talk of the IndyCar series returning first surfaced in June 2016 when a private consortium began negotiating with Events Queensland to bring the US version of Formula One back to the Coast street circuit.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk organised a special team within the Premier’s department to report back on the event’s feasibility.
The Bulletin had been told the start-up costs could be as much as $150 million for the first few years, putting huge pressure on the State budget.
The existing circuit for the V8 Supercars would have to be extended north and more trees removed for a pit area at Macintosh Island Park.
The State Opposition today was fast to criticise the Government after it was confirmed a race would not go ahead.
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Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek told the Bulletin: “The Gold Coast has been sold a lemon by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk promised she would deliver IndyCars for March 2020 but has failed to deliver.
“IndyCars are a world-class event that would boost the local economy, create jobs and put Queensland on the global sporting stage.
“The LNP supported a bid for IndyCars, but Labor couldn’t make it happen.
“This is further proof you can’t trust Labor.”
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