GOLD COAST REVS UP FOR INDY
Published Friday, 20 October, 2006 at 02:09 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Premier Peter Beattie visited the Gold Coast today to witness the action on the second day of a bumper four day carnival for the 2006 Lexmark Indy 300.
Mr Beattie said Indy was a wonderful sporting and entertainment spectacular that drew thousands of visitors to Queensland each year.
“Indy has earned its stripes as tourist icon in Australia,” Mr Beattie said.
“Last year a record 316,459 patrons filed through the gates and the crowds are strong again this year.
“Worldwide it provides our great State with a potential audience of 900 million people in 164 countries.
“The glamour and action on track and off is a huge drawcard.
“Our Government has always been strong supporters of the event as it is estimated to pump $60 million into the local economy each year.”
Mr Beattie said the stars of the show will be the Champ Car and V8 Supercars but there will also be a huge program of entertainment including support races, stunt shows, precision driving challenges, driver parade laps, and the Sea FM Air Show.
“The Indy Champ car race at the Gold Coast has had 15 different winners over 15 years and it’s great to see some of them back in Queensland,” he said.
“Previous winners competing again this year include Paul Tracey, Mario Dominguez, Bruno Junqueira and last year’s winner Sebastien Bourdais.
“In addition we welcome back our very own Team Australia as well as Katherine Legge the first ever woman to drive a Champ Car on the streets of the Gold Coast.
“In the four years that the V8 Supercars have been running a championships points race at Indy, there have been four different winners as well.
“I’m sure last year’s winner Craig Lowndes will be keen to follow up his Bathurst success and we will be honouring the late Peter Brock with a special tribute lap by his son James tomorrow.”
Further information on the Lexmark Indy 300 is available at http://www.indy.com.au/
20 October 2006
Media contacts: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Mr Beattie said Indy was a wonderful sporting and entertainment spectacular that drew thousands of visitors to Queensland each year.
“Indy has earned its stripes as tourist icon in Australia,” Mr Beattie said.
“Last year a record 316,459 patrons filed through the gates and the crowds are strong again this year.
“Worldwide it provides our great State with a potential audience of 900 million people in 164 countries.
“The glamour and action on track and off is a huge drawcard.
“Our Government has always been strong supporters of the event as it is estimated to pump $60 million into the local economy each year.”
Mr Beattie said the stars of the show will be the Champ Car and V8 Supercars but there will also be a huge program of entertainment including support races, stunt shows, precision driving challenges, driver parade laps, and the Sea FM Air Show.
“The Indy Champ car race at the Gold Coast has had 15 different winners over 15 years and it’s great to see some of them back in Queensland,” he said.
“Previous winners competing again this year include Paul Tracey, Mario Dominguez, Bruno Junqueira and last year’s winner Sebastien Bourdais.
“In addition we welcome back our very own Team Australia as well as Katherine Legge the first ever woman to drive a Champ Car on the streets of the Gold Coast.
“In the four years that the V8 Supercars have been running a championships points race at Indy, there have been four different winners as well.
“I’m sure last year’s winner Craig Lowndes will be keen to follow up his Bathurst success and we will be honouring the late Peter Brock with a special tribute lap by his son James tomorrow.”
Further information on the Lexmark Indy 300 is available at http://www.indy.com.au/
20 October 2006
Media contacts: Premier’s office 3224 4500