Gold Coast 600 axed in COVID-19 Supercars shock
The COVID-19 pandemic is set to claim another Gold Coast sporting institution with the 30th annual GC600 Supercars race on the chopping block.
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The COVID-19 pandemic is set to claim another Gold Coast sporting institution with the 30th annual GC600 Supercars race on the chopping block.
Supercars administrators met on Saturday afternoon to finalise the release of a new season calendar which Speedcafe.com.au reports will not include the Gold Coast and Newcastle street circuit events.
Logistic challenges around track construction and the threat of having no crowds are believed to be responsible for the decision to axe the October event.
Supercars and the Queensland Government have been in talks for weeks exploring ways to save the race but uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions and a deadline to release the updated Supercars calendar forced their hand.
“We intend to release our draft calendar for the 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship tomorrow, following approval from our Board and Commission,” a Supercars spokesman said.
“Our draft calendar reflects the current state of federal and state government restrictions and guidelines which are subject to change at any time.”
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Gold Coast racing identity Brett ‘Crusher’ Murray said the decision was disappointing for everyone.
“I think it’s a terrible position for fans but that’s the world we live in and hard calls have to be made,” Murray said.
“(Supercars) have to put their calendar together the best way they could and the current coronavirus situation doesn’t lend itself to street races.
“Logistically the GC600 is the toughest motorsport event in the world to put together because it has to be built from scratch.
“It’s one of the favourite street course races in the world and (this doesn’t mean) it’s dead.
“I think it’s an opportunity to use it as a refresh and reset, go back to the drawing board and reinvent the event (for next year).”
The Gold Coast 600 signed a five-year deal with the State Government last year to keep the event on the Gold Coast until 2025.
The 2019 event injected $55 million into the local economy, with the potential to add another $25 million through the addition of night racing at future events.
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