A1GP to race on Gold Coast

Just weeks the loss of its IndyCar series race, it has been announced that the Gold Coast is host a race in the fast growing A1 Grand Prix series.

Set to race on the Gold Coast in Indy's stead for at least the next five years, the A1GP race will receive equal top billing with V8 Supercars.

Gold Coast Tourism's Martin Winter said the adoption of the A1GP, was a major coup for the tourist region because of its global reach, stating âGold Coast tourism operators and local business will directly benefit from the anticipated interest in A1GP (and) ... we are confident the series will generate continued economic growth well into the future."

Former F1 motor racing world champion, and Gold Coast resident, Alan Jones is delighted that the A1GP will fill the void left by IndyCars, stating âwe wanted to get it here on the Gold Coast ⦠it's a fantastic part of the world to be racing in."

The open-wheeled A1GP series, which commands a claimed 700 million viewers worldwide, began in 2005 and features a 23-car field pitting nation against nation.

Sydney's Eastern Creek Raceway had been the host of the Australian leg of the series for three years up until this season when it was dropped from the race schedule.

The Gold Coast 300, as it has been tentatively titled, will be held from 22nd to 25th October 2009.

12th November 2008 - GOLD COAST’S INDY CAR RACE AXED

24th April 2008 - F1 GRAND PRIX - THE WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE ANNUAL SPORTING EVENTS