[V8SC10R19&20] Armor All Gold Coast 600 (Merged x2)

[Oldtony]

Fascinated that there is as yet no response on this forum to the Official Launch of the Gold Coast 600.
Big PR night, lot of local hoopla, announcement of the visiting drivers and the bands for the Broadwater Parklands Rockfest, and Tony telling us that this is going to be the greatest Touring Car Race ever.
Locally it has recieved good coverage in the Gold Coast Bulletin, who are on board to deliver "free passes" to kids accompanied by an adult and various competitions. Bit of coverage on the local TV news.
Big fuss made about Jaques Villeneuve not being at the opening because of the aviation ash crisis, and pre recorded video interviews with Will Power and Ryan Briscoe.
After all this fuss at the local level has there been any coverage at all outside the local area? I notice the Australian came up with a reprint of a PR release saying "bare boobs banned" but no other coverage. Did it get any mileage at all away from the Gold Coast.
Given the Health debate and the Storm storm it is understandable I suppose, but you would think it would get some coverage, and some interest, in a forum like this one.

[bortall]

Maybe nobody cares!!!!

[davester]

Who is interested in a "one make" championship? No one it seems.

[NewsStalker]

Maybe it hasn't been reported because of the scepticism about the event actually eventuating?

No that's a bit harsh - maybe it will happen, but apparently nobody really cares any more???

[Oldtony]

Originally Posted by NewsStalker

No that's a bit harsh - maybe it will happen, but apparently nobody really cares any more???

Where are you when we need you Stealthy?

[STEALTHY]

Originally Posted by Oldtony

Where are you when we need you Stealthy?

I'm here, but i dont know what i need to say to that. He seems to have his headlights in the right place.


Why no press? My opinion might be the same as others, shortened track is a **** idea, internationals are a **** idea (and its still not been explained how 18 drivers will drive 28 cars over the weekend.....) so no-one cares.

I had to do a double take aswell, the V8 site is all about the Ipswich 300, i thought it might be the same event for a minute.....lol

[Boxy]

I for one am looking forward to this event. I have been going to 'Indy' since 1995 and sure it's a shadow of it's former self but I really think the Gold Coasters will support it. I reckon we will even see people buying a 3 day pass just to attend 3 nights of concerts. Not a bad deal really.

I must say though I'm scepitcal about the shortened track...It was a nightmare trying to get to the back esses from the hill, and now with (potentially) the same sort of crowd figures coming through the gates it will peak hour up that end of the circuit.. Coupled with the loss of income for business' in the cut-off area of the track I'm not sure shortening it is the way to go. Time will tell I guess!

As for the internationals, I think we are very fortunate to have the line-up headed our way.. Ex F1 drivers, former open wheel winners at the circuit, current tin-top champs from around the world plus throw in a couple of local heroes and it should make for an interesting spectacle.. Sure there may be carnage but it will be intriuging to see how some of these 'stars' adapt to our cars...you never know, some might be quick!

Bring it on

[porsche91722]

Originally Posted by Boxy

As for the internationals, I think we are very fortunate to have the line-up headed our way......
Sure there may be carnage but it will be intriuging to see how some of these 'stars' adapt to our cars...you never know, some might be quick!

Bring it on

I'm not sure if you were being sarcastic or not, with the "stars" comment, however I think it is a great line up. Just a bit of a shame that they will have to show their wares at that place. I would have preferred to see them all line up at P.I. or Bathurst.

[Robert Ryan]

As for the internationals, I think we are very fortunate to have the line-up headed our way.. Ex F1 drivers, former open wheel winners at the circuit, current tin-top champs from around the world plus throw in a couple of local heroes and it should make for an interesting spectacle.. Sure there may be carnage but it will be intriuging to see how some of these 'stars' adapt to our cars...you never know, some might be quick!

Bring it on

It will be fascinating with that lineup of overseas talent.

[xrystl]

The local businesses don't give a rats for it - they did there collective arses with the stuff up that was last years event - talk back radio on the coast gives it the big thumbs down - A handfull of internationals driving local cars in a local series replacing what used to be a true international event hardly cuts it in there book - Local businesses needed the international big spenders on the coast for Indy to make up for the loss of business because of the disruption that is caused by track/grandstand and other construction for a lengthy period which reduces people and vehicle traffic to a crawl through the business district with no stopping /standing/parking anywhere near the precinct - the V8 crowd are not big spenders (Councils take on the big loss of local traders revenue) at the 09 event - the organizers can talk it up all they like as it seems that they are the only ones really interested in the "Band-aid" event - the locals want it even less than they wanted Indy .

[cavvy]

Only the boobs caught my eye in the Melbourne press !

[fordo]

Originally Posted by xrystl

The local businesses don't give a rats for it - they did there collective arses with the stuff up that was last years event - talk back radio on the coast gives it the big thumbs down - A handfull of internationals driving local cars in a local series replacing what used to be a true international event hardly cuts it in there book - Local businesses needed the international big spenders on the coast for Indy to make up for the loss of business because of the disruption that is caused by track/grandstand and other construction for a lengthy period which reduces people and vehicle traffic to a crawl through the business district with no stopping /standing/parking anywhere near the precinct - the V8 crowd are not big spenders (Councils take on the big loss of local traders revenue) at the 09 event - the organizers can talk it up all they like as it seems that they are the only ones really interested in the "Band-aid" event - the locals want it even less than they wanted Indy .

Agreed. Interesting that according to the Bulletin they are calling in the Legends again to pad out the event. Might go just to see them again. Stuff the rest. Boring !!!

[HSVDT]

Originally Posted by xrystl

The local businesses don't give a rats for it - they did there collective arses with the stuff up that was last years event

The Local business sector last year may have be down opposed to previous years, but they were still glad that the event went ahead considering the A1GP pulled the pin at the eleventh hour.

Originally Posted by xrystl

talk back radio on the coast gives it the big thumbs down - A handfull of internationals driving local cars in a local series replacing what used to be a true international event hardly cuts it in there book

Obviously you take talk back Radio to gospel and you call 18 International drivers a handfull of drivers get real.

Originally Posted by xrystl

The locals want it even less than they wanted Indy

Do you have any factual stats to back this up?

Someone said that they hope that a single seater international series returns in 2011. Well there is a big possibility that a single seater series may just return to the Gold Coast but it may not be until 2012 as the GCCC and state Governments want an international event at all costs and have been looking at various international series for the past 12 months.

[NewsStalker]

Originally Posted by HSVDT

GCCC and state Governments want an international event at all costs and have been looking at various international series for the past 12 months.

This quote has to be the biggest kick in the teeth V8SCA can possibly get - as well as (hopefully) telling them what Australian V8 fans have been trying to say for the past 10 years.

V8SCA will tell you that their series IS an International Series (and, of course they will tell you over and over and over that it is the BEST International Series in the world.

The reality of it is, though, that is still a trumped up local series that runs in a few overseas locations and nothing more.

[xrystl]

[QUOTE=HSVDT;2679945]The Local business sector last year may have be down opposed to previous years, but they were still glad that the event went ahead considering the A1GP pulled the pin at the eleventh hour.Obviously you take talk back Radio to gospel and you call 18 International drivers a handful of drivers get real.Do you have any factual stats to back this up?

QUOTE]It's amazing the information garnered from Community Talk back radio - 4CRB @ 89.3 have the Gold Coast Mayor on talk back every week and usually for about 45 minutes , members of the public are free to call and air there grievances regarding any subject that may be council related - not long after last years event and after all the sums were tallied and the traders from within the race precinct had responded to reporting on their checks and balances for the race week , the Mayor reported that the general consensus was that they were down by as much as 70% on the previous year .
The only comments on the radio were in the negative regarding the event , I didn't hear anything in the positive and have yet to hear anybody talk up the event , I do associate with persons who work /and are traders in the precinct and others who need constant access from the precinct to Main Beach and Marina Mirage area and they have nothing good to say about all the disruption they have to contend with .
Eighteen International drivers driving part time in a local V8 race is hardly an international event !!

[NaBUru38]

You shouldn't complain about the guests list, it's awsome.

[Robert Ryan]

A handfull of internationals driving local cars in a local series replacing what used to be a true international event hardly cuts it in there book

Some handfull. What International event? The Indycar races at Surfers in the last couple of years, had a "man and dog" audience in the US and elsewhere.
Give the event a go then criticize.

[D.R.T.]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

Some handfull. What International event? The Indycar races at Surfers in the last couple of years, had a "man and dog" audience in the US and elsewhere.

Do you find it ironic that V8SA spent years (2002 - 2008) trying to tell the public that the Indycar / Champcar drivers were 'no names' with no local or international following now make up 2/3rds of the international component that are the selling point of the new event?

[Tourer]

Originally Posted by D.R.T.

Do you find it ironic that V8SA spent years (2002 - 2008) trying to tell the public that the Indycar / Champcar drivers were 'no names' with no local or international following now make up 2/3rds of the international component that are the selling point of the new event?

Okay, DRT - I'll call you on it. I can't recall V8SA telling the public that the US guys were 'no names' - can you back that up with evidence?

As for your arithmetic - something wrong there - 18 internationals, only 7 of whom have competed in Champ Car / Indy car (amongst many other categories they have also driven in) in the period you talk about.

Sounds more like one-third to me, rather than the two-thirds you suggest.

[Oldtony]

And the latest attempt to gain a bit of news coverage is the anouncement that the "Indy Grid Girls are to cover up".
I'm sure there are other threads here abouts that will not greet this news with enthusiasm, but it makes one wonder just what is going on inside Stalag Nerang and the mind of the super promoter. I guess it goes under the "family friendly" banner.
For further news on the dramatic change check today's Gold Coast Bulletin.

[racer69]

Will that flow on and mean no more Miss Indy (or whatever its called these days)?

Originally Posted by Tourer

Okay, DRT - I'll call you on it. I can't recall V8SA telling the public that the US guys were 'no names' - can you back that up with evidence?

You don't recall VESA for years telling us how they were the main act, and the reason the fans turned up to the event, not the open-wheelers?

[NewsStalker]

Originally Posted by Oldtony

And the latest attempt to gain a bit of news coverage is the anouncement that the "Indy Grid Girls are to cover up".
I'm sure there are other threads here abouts that will not greet this news with enthusiasm, but it makes one wonder just what is going on inside Stalag Nerang and the mind of the super promoter. I guess it goes under the "family friendly" banner.
For further news on the dramatic change check today's Gold Coast Bulletin.

So will V8SCA ensure this flows on to their 'charge by the hour' XXXX girls? Somehow I don't think it will.

Double standards again????

[D.R.T.]

Originally Posted by Tourer

Okay, DRT - I'll call you on it. I can't recall V8SA telling the public that the US guys were 'no names' - can you back that up with evidence?

Working on getting that evidence for you Tourer - as there is chest beating from V8SA & others over the years referring to Indy drivers as 'chumps' etc and saying that the v8's were the main act who attracted the crowds.

If this is true - why do they need the internationals now to keep the event alive?

Originally Posted by Tourer

As for your arithmetic - something wrong there - 18 internationals, only 7 of whom have competed in Champ Car / Indy car (amongst many other categories they have also driven in) in the period you talk about.

Sounds more like one-third to me, rather than the two-thirds you suggest.

My apologies, from 2002 - 2008 though we have in fact have 8 drivers including (Tags, Salo, Bourdais, Dixon, Franchitti, Power, Briscoe & Monteiro) = 44%

Still a hefty contribution from a category constantly belittled by the so called 'greatest touring car series in the world' who has called them in for the rescue.

[Tourer]

Originally Posted by D.R.T.

Working on getting that evidence for you Tourer - as there is chest beating from V8SA & others over the years referring to Indy drivers as 'chumps' etc and saying that the v8's were the main act who attracted the crowds.

If this is true - why do they need the internationals now to keep the event alive?



My apologies, from 2002 - 2008 though we have in fact have 8 drivers including (Tags, Salo, Bourdais, Dixon, Franchitti, Power, Briscoe & Monteiro) = 44%

Still a hefty contribution from a category constantly belittled by the so called 'greatest touring car series in the world' who has called them in for the rescue.

Thanks DRT - yeah, I missed Salo (l'd have to say that I don't think any of the listed drivers were or are chumps - some of the make-weights in the field in those days, well that's another story). Be interested to see what you come up with on quotes etc - might just be me not recalling well.

[RotorFan]

It doesn't excite me much. Its cool to have the names, but will it making the racing more exciting?

In their rush to commercialise the "sport", they've missed the point of what motorsport is about. Fair enough they want to make money and build the business, but its all too often at the expense of motorsport.

Take a crap movie with a crap script and set - will paying Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson to appear make it worth watching? Depends on how big a fan you are of the blokes I suppose. Thing is, most V8 Supercar fans won't know any of these "big international names".

Personally I'd rather see Salo racing a Ferrari F430 in a round of ALMS, or Priaulx racing his BMW in a round of the WTCC. Then I'd be there!