GC600 2019: Supercars announce changes to how it will handle any storms that hit during the Gold Coast 600 again
The second race of last year’s Gold Coast 600 was abandoned due to the storms that lashed the track. Now, here’s what will happen if wet weather hits again.
Gold Coast 600
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast 600. Followed categories will be added to My News.
SUPERCARS officials will shift the scheduling of the Gold Coast 600 this weekend should adverse weather threaten a race in a bid to avoid the chaos of last year.
This year’s Gold Coast 600 won’t be restricted to time-certain finishes and the start of races will be shifted in order to give them the best chance at getting a result should a storm lash the Coast again.
A percentage of the 300km race still needs to be completed for Championship points to be distributed, with stewards able to make a call on what that is throughout the even.
The second race of the 2018 Gold Coast 600 was abandoned after 43 laps and no result recorded after a torrential downpour forced cars off the track before it was officially called off due to safety concerns.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN FOR $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. (MIN. COST $4)
Drivers including Triple Eight Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen were left frustrated after standing around the team garages for a long period waiting for the race to start for broadcast purposes despite having clear knowledge of when the storm would hit.
Van Gisbergen called for more flexibility around race scheduling and Supercars have listened.
“The current weather forecast is for clear skies across the weekend, which is great news for racing and our fans,” Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said.
THE NIGHTMARE SLADE CAN’T WAKE UP FROM
“Nonetheless, a number of control measures are in place if any race events are affected by adverse weather.
“Races will continue beyond the scheduled telecast time if necessary.
“We will only cut races short if there are track safety concerns due to crashes or weather, or failing light.
“Race start times will also be brought forward if there is a known risk of interruptions, delays or hazards, such as a forecast of adverse weather conditions.
“It was a shame the storms came through last year, but officials absolutely made the right decision on the day.
“The safety of the fans, drivers, teams, marshals and others working around the circuit is paramount.
MECHANIC WHO WANTS TO STEP INTO SUPERCARS STARS SHOES
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MCLAUGHLIN AFTER BATHURST DECISION
IS THIS LEARNER DRIVER A FUTURE SUPERCARS STAR?
GC600 LAUNCHED WITH KARTING DRAMA
“Stopping a race is not an easy decision, but that was the right call in that instance.”
A spokesman from the sport’s governing body, Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, said it would work closely with Supercars about the need for any scheduled changes if severe weather rolls in.