“We are proud of what we have achieved with the Gold Coast Indy 300 in its first 17 years and I think the unification of open-wheel racing in the US provides an exciting new era for our event,” Mackenroth noted, “Tony George and his team at the IRL welcomed our involvement with tremendous enthusiasm and see the Gold Coast Indy 300 as one of their signature events going forward.
“I also have to thank Tony Cochrane and V8 Supercars Australia for their enthusiasm to get this long-term deal in place and remaining an important part of our event. The new-look IndyCar Series field combined with the V8 Supercars and an always exciting off-track programme means that we are shaping up for a memorable event in 2008 and beyond.”
Already regarded as one of the world's most iconic motorsport events, the Gold Coast Indy 300 will have a place on the schedule through to 2013, with major plans already underway for a massive 20th anniversary celebration in 2010. More importantly, however, this year's event can expect a full contingent of cars with numbers up on recent Champ Car fields.
“The Gold Coast Indy 300 has been a part of the Queensland major event landscape for 18 years, and I am delighted that it will continue to showcase Queensland for many years to come,” Queensland minister for police, corrective services and sport, Judy Spence, who made the announcement, confirmed, “The event has overcome many hurdles in its history, but this latest development probably puts it in its best shape ever.
“It is estimated that the event returns $60 million in economic benefits to the State of Queensland and I am sure that figure will continue to grow as the new-look IndyCar Series and the V8 Supercars continue to attract more national and international attention.
“It will also be fantastic to see two talented young Australian drivers the likes of Will Power and Ryan Briscoe racing wheel-to-wheel on the streets of Surfers Paradise, while the V8 Supercars will continue to bring out the passion for Ford and Holden.”
