Shock V8 Supercars announcement: Night racing could happen as early as 2020

Supercars has been given the green light to begin negotiations for night racing on the Gold Coast after the State Government signed off on a new five-year deal with V8 Supercars.

THE Gold Coast could host up to two night races in Surfers Paradise after the State Government signed off on a new five-year deal with V8 Supercars.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones today will announce the Government has given the green light for Supercars to begin discussions with the council, local businesses and residents about staging future races under floodlights.

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Supercars driver Chaz Mostert fastest after night practice for the Red Rooster Sydney SuperNight 300 event 10 of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, Sydney, New South Wales. Australia. July 3rd 2018.

The Bulletin understands agreement has been reached on a Saturday race with another to be negotiated, under lights for 2021. But night racing might be fast tracked to 2020.

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Racing will stop at 9.30pm allowing organisers to stage their concert package for the GC600.

Floodlighting will be needed every five metres, not just for safety but broadcasting quality with the longer term aim to replace the temporary infrastructure with a “permanent solution”.

Supercars had been pushing for more night racing after the success of the Perth SuperNight in May and the first floodlit event in 21 years at Sydney’s Motorsport Park last August.

Ms Jones told the Bulletin: “By upgrading lighting along the course, we can make the GC600 one of the most iconic motorsport events on the planet.

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Pictured during a practice session at Sydney Motorsport Park ahead of the Supercars night race, is Jamie Whincup. Picture: Tim Hunter.

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“Our economic modelling shows this would boost revenue by more than $25 million — cash that will go straight back to local businesses and support local jobs.”

The GC600 would be one of two street races under lights held on the planet — second only to F1’s Singapore fixture, she said.

“Major events are in the Gold Coast’s DNA and the tourism industry is part of the backbone of the Gold Coast’s economy — that’s why this just makes sense,” Ms Jones said.

“The GC600 is a great national event. But by racing under lights, we can tap into a new global motorsport market that could have huge benefits for tourism on the Coast.”

Assistant Tourism Industry Development Meaghan Scanlon said the GC600 last year generated more than $55 million for the Coast.

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Kate Jones will make an announcement today. Picture Glenn Hampson.

“Businesses have come to rely on that boost around October. That’s why the announcement is so important, giving confidence to tourism operators that they can rely on the GC600 into the future,” the Gaven MP said.

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said night racing would take the Coast event to a new level.

“Premier Palaszczuk and her government share the vision of staging one of the most spectacular sporting and entertainment events ever seen in this country,” Mr Seamer said.

“This will elevate the Gold Coast 600 to one of the premier motorsport events in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the first time touring cars have ever been under lights at a street circuit, anywhere.

“It will bring thousands of additional visitors to Queensland and the Gold Coast for what will be an unbelievable event with Supercars in full flight under lights and in prime time.”