1994 AND THE FINAL PODIUM FOR MARIO KART

TODAY’S trip down memory lane takes us back to 1994 and the podium celebrations for the Gold Coast Indy Grand Prix.

Pictured are Mario Andretti, who came third, his son and the winner Michael

Andretti, and second placegetter Emerson Fittipaldi spraying champagne over everyone after the race was run.

The line-up for the race included some of the biggest names in motorsport including Nigel Mansell, Jacques Villeneuve, Bobby Rahal, Paul Tracy, Jimmy Vasser and Robby Gordon.

This was Mario Andretti’s last podium finish at the end of a distinguished career.

A huge storm delayed the start and after a few failed attempts to get going, the race finally commenced around 4pm. The late finish meant that the presentations were done after sunset.

The history of the Gold Coast Indy is chequered (motor racing pun) to say the least. It ran from 1991 to 2008, had various scandals and cost blowouts but in its heyday was an amazing event that generated massive publicity and economic benefits for the city.