Rockin’ up to join the party
GOLD Coast 600 organisers are embracing the rocking race theme that made the event successful, as prominent promoters have been told to ramp up the party atmosphere.
Racing fans have been desperately calling for a return to the trackside party freedom that was packed up with the Indy 300 event seven years ago.
Last year saw a reinvigorated trackside precinct focused on high-energy entertainment but V8 Supercars chief executive James Warburton said the vibe at this year’s event would be quite extraordinary.
“It’s obviously going to be a massive event again in 2015, especially with the investment in the event and types of ontrack entertainment,” he said.
“We have got to create that atmosphere where people are standing and cheering with the vehicles. That’s always got to be there with whatever we develop.
“The whole rock and race theme (will be there) and has always been successful.”
Cross Promotions International boss Billy Cross, whose firm is organising the sold-out Cold Chisel concert and ontrack party zone Club 600, said the V8 Supercars bosses were keen to see the party atmosphere increased as a major part of the event.
It’s the third year Cross Promotions has been involved to pump up the offcourse entertainment and Mr Cross said it was definitely helping boost wider interest in the big race weekend.
“The people behind V8 Supercars are focused on wanting to bring back the party atmosphere while the whole V8 thing itself is becoming a lot more glamorised,’’ he said.
“This year they’re on track to do over 200,000 and that’s a massive 20 per cent up from last year.”
Mr Warburton said “massively investing” in the pit building and corporate facilities was among future plans.
“The fact that we are fully sold out for corporate facilities shows we are making an event people really have to go to in order to experience,” he said.
“There is really no other venue in the world from a touring car perspective that has the glitz and glamour.”