Gold Coast revs up for 2015 V8 Supercars

The Gold Coast is ready to welcome 180,000 spectators in October for the Castrol Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars event.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones today joined Gold Coast Mayor Cr Tom Tate and V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton to launch the 2015 event.

Ms Jones said the Castrol Gold Coast 600 was an iconic Gold Coast experience and major injection into the state’s economy.

“Queensland will host three V8 Supercars motorsport events in 2015, which together generate more than $75 million for Queensland,” Ms Jones said.

“The event is one of the biggest on the state’s events calendar.  It created more than 90,000 visitor nights on the Gold Coast last year, with more than 35,000 people coming from outside of the city for the event.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises the importance of major events in driving tourism because a strong tourism industry means more jobs for Queenslanders.”

The 2015 Castrol Gold Coast 600 will feature live performances from iconic Australian rock band Cold Chisel as well as a host of other high-quality entertainers over the three-day long event.

V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said the entertainment options on offer for the 2015 race were the best in the event’s history.

“Last year we said we would make this the biggest entertainment event on the Gold Coast, and we delivered,” Mr Warburton said.

The Castrol Gold Coast 600 runs from 23-25 October, 2015. Visit www.v8supercars.com.au for more information.

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7530