Future of Supercars given major boost by City of Gold Coast

The future of Supercars on the Gold Coast has been decided, just days out from the 2022 event beginning.

The future of Supercars on the Gold Coast has been given a major boost with the City strapped in for a new agreement until at least 2024.

Major Events Gold Coast’s beefed up agreement to support Supercars is in addition to the state government’s commitment to the event in 2019, which would keep the race here until 2025.

Major Events CEO Jan McCormick said the event had a “huge economic impact on the city”, which was integral as the region continues to emerge from the Covid pandemic.

“We are really excited that Supercars is part of the major events portfolio for our city, and we’ll continue to support them and if we go back into new contract negotiations, I would assume (it would be) for 2024 onwards,” she said.

“It’s a really substantial event and it’s one that really works well for the Gold Coast, we get good strong numbers. It’ll be good this year because it hasn’t been here for such a long time.”

The future of the GC500 race has been locked in. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Ms McCormick could not reveal how much the deal is worth.

“It delivers a huge economic impact into the city … it’s worth many millions of dollars to the economy, and especially coming out of Covid we need as many big things as we can get.”

Ms McCormick said additional entertainment was on the cards to play out alongside the race, with a music festival a possibility to keep tourists on the Gold Coast for longer.

“Accommodation bookings are very strong for next weekend, because there are two major events on (with the Groundwater Country Musical Festival also on next weekend).

“What we would like to see happen is overnight visitation extended, so people who are staying two nights, we’d like to attract them to stay Thursday through to Sunday and go home Monday.”

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Cr Tate said it was great to secure the future of the race with Major Events.

“Congratulations to Major Events and Supercars V8 organisation for securing another two years,” the Mayor said.

“Drivers and teams tell me that this race is recognised as one of the greatest street circuits on the planet.

“Receiving a unique surfboard trophy is something drivers chase all year so I’m delighted to see an extended contract.

“It’s great to see Major Events GC proposing new ideas as it’s equally important to attract new fans as well as the 200,000 fanatics who attend each year.”

Supercars CEO Shane Howard said: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Major Events Gold Coast into the future.

“Support from MEGC will continue to ensure the GC500 remains Queensland’s biggest annual sporting event.

“We can’t wait to return to the racing on the streets of Surfers Paradise later this week and again in years to come.”