WHY THE DRIVERS CALL THE GOLD COAST HOME

2022-10-29 - HANNAH DAVIES

They’re the heroes of Supercars — and one way or another now call the Gold Coast home.

Covid may have forced the class of Supercars head to the sunshine state, but it was the sunny beaches, cafe scene and relaxed lifestyle which convinced them to stay.

Meet the Coast-based Supercars drivers and find out why they love calling the Glitter Strip home.

ANDRE HEIMGARTNER

Based in Sorrento, Heimgartner moved to the Gold Coast from New Zealand in 2012, with a stint in Melbourne in 2015.

The Kiwi said while he loves the Coast, he’s not yet made up his mind if it’s forever home.

“We’ll wait and see, it’s the best place to be weather wise and I obviously enjoy living here so definitely the next three or four years will be Coast based,” Heimgartner said.

Best local hangs: “Manolas Brothers is a really good Italian place on the Isle of Capri, Main Beach there’s a good French cafe, those are the main ones we love.

Where you can find him on days off: “On my days off I’ll be training at the gym and in cafes and at home.

“In the summer we’ll go to the beach most days and find a little spot here on the Spit.”

ANTON DE PASQUALE

Runaway Bay based driver De Pasquale moved to the gold Coast in 2020 during Covid when the sport relocated to the sunshine state, and hasn’t looked back since.

“I haven’t gone home since and I’ve changed teams in the meantime between all that, so it’s become permanent,” De Pasquale said.

“Obviously the weather’s awesome and it’s such a cool spot for us with our training and the lifestyle. After long weeks away it’s always good to come back here to such a nice place.”

When can you find him on days off?:

“I’m either cycling somewhere, out on the jetski or in the workshop. Generally I’m somewhere along the beachline doing something.”

TIM SLADE

Mermaid Waters driver Slade moved from Adelaide in 2009 and has called the Gold Coast home since.

“I wouldn’t live anywhere else,” Slade said.

“I’m pretty weather driven, that’s why I enjoy the Gold Coast so much.

“We (Slade and partner Dani) love being outdoors and exploring.

I don’t really like the hustle and bustle of big cities like Melbourne or Sydney, the Gold Coast has that Adelaide vibe where it’s like a big country town and it’s a bit laid back.”

Best local hangs: Slade favours Glenelg Public House and Bonita Bonita, while Dani’s favourite coffee spots are All-time Coffee and Elk Espresso at Broadbeach.

JACK SMITH

Paradise Waters driver Jack Smith grew up in the Gold Coast and has been here his whole life.

“I grew up surfing, I’m not much different to most other people around here. At the moment I’ve got no real plan to change just yet.”

Best local hangs: “I don’t get out much but anywhere that makes a good chocolate thickshake.”

BRODIE KOSTECKI

Kostecki has been on the Gold Coast since 2019 and is yet another driver who isn’t making plans to leave.

“It just made sense being on the east coast for racing, and the Gold Coast was the best place to live I thought.

“It’s got good weather, great people, it’s a great town.

“(I love) the atmosphere, it’s a very fun vibey place and I love living here, I’m from Perth and it does remind me of Perth a bit.

Best local hangs: “I’m a fan of the Cali Beach Club, it’s a good place to go hang out and the food is good, it’s a great place to have a drink and relax in the off season.”