REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Saturday September 25, 2004

MAYOR Ron Clarke wrote an opinion piece for the Bulletin detailing why he would not attend the 2004 Gold Coast Indy.

“Unless I have some mayoral duties to undertake, I shall be exercising my democratic right not to attend any of the Indy events.

“While I admire the skills of the drivers, and appreciate the economic benefits to the Gold Coast community, I have always had an aversion to car racing, especially on street circuits.

“I just believe it sends the wrong message to the impressionable in our society, inspiring them into trying to emulate the examples they have witnessed, but without the skills to accomplish their fantasies.

“I think it inspires, I’m not saying it’s anywhere near 100 per cent, but it inspires some kids to emulate what they have seen.

“It’s an easy decision for me, I don’t like motor racing.

“I don’t go to nightclubs either because I don’t like nightclubs but that’s not to say they’re not a good thing for the Gold Coast.

“I don’t have to like a particular thing to see it’s good for the Gold Coast.

“I can’t attend everything, I don’t have to attend Indy to know what it does for the city. I recognise what it does, I just don’t like it.

“I’ve never been to Indy. I have been invited to Formula One but I didn’t go to that either.

“I’m sure my presence at Indy won’t matter one way or the other.”