A Supercharged Guide To The 2015 Castrol Gold Coast 600

Sports cars racing in the Supercars Championship in Australia

2.73min read

Published 16 October 2015


Share


Next weekend will be a very loud and rambunctious one for the Gold Coast as the city closes streets for the Castrol Gold Coast 600.

This annual V8 Supercars event features multiple championship races, on-track entertainment, Vegas-style day club and more across three days (23-25 October).

Attendees on Saturday 24 October will also be treated to a live performance by one of Australia's greatest ever rock bands, Cold Chisel.

There's a lot to see and do at the GC 600 alone, so we've compiled a comprehensive guide including events not to miss and affordable accommodation options.

Sports cars racing in the Supercars Championship in Australia
The racing action is fast and daring (Image: V8 Supercars)

 

Castrol Gold Coast 600 Highlights

Friday 23 October

SuperFest is the official festival of the GC 600, running from today until well past the final race. Opening day of the GC 600 sees SuperFest put on back-to-back Miss V8 swimwear and sportswear modelling held within the Vegas-style Club 600.

Later on is the Nitro SuperRun, a five-kilometre Glow Run that quickly turns into an epic party with fire, foam and DJs.

Most of the on-track action will be practice laps. However, arrive by 4.45pm to catch the first qualifying races. Leading out will be the V8 Ute Racing Series, followed by Formula 4 at 5.15pm.

Friday's main event kicks off at 5.50pm when the stadium is filled with the roar of monsters on wheels from the USA. The Stadium Trucks hit speeds of more than 210 kilometres per hour and launch into the air off man-made ramps.

Cars racing in the Supercars Championship in Australia
The first V8 Supercars Championship race is on Saturday (Image: V8 Supercars)

 

Saturday 24 October

Saturday is chokkas with high-speed racing action with the first round of the V8 Ute Racing Series at 8.20am and the Formula 4 at 8.50am.

Fans get their first real taste of the V8 Supercars Championship at 10am with a 20-minute qualifying race, followed by the exhilarating single-lap Top Ten Shootout at 11.20am and then the main 102-lap event at 2.30pm.

Away from the racing, judging of the winner of Miss V8 Supercars will take place at Club 600.

A firm favourite to top the GC 600 highlights, Aussie rockers Cold Chisel will be headlining the GC 600's Saturday night concert at nearby Broadwater Parklands. Gates open at 5pm with a few supporting acts taking the stage.

Be there to see Jimmy Barnes belt out the band's biggest hits such as Khe Sanh and Flame Trees.

Sunday 25 October

The big races continue on the third day starting with the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, V8 Ute Racing Series and Formula 4.

At about 1.35pm the drivers and teams from the V8 Supercars Championship come together for the Drivers Parade, before the second race of the V8 Supercars Championship commences at 2.30pm.

On this the GC 600's final day, racers will be battling and attempting the most daring manoeuvres to claim that podium finish.

Hang around after the final race for the SuperFest After Party, which will carry on into the early hours of morning.

Canadian Grand Prix winners with their trophy
Jamie Whincup and Paul Dumbrell raised the trophy last year. Who will top the pack in 2015? (Image: V8 Supercars)

 

All Weekend

If you start feeling thirsty under the hot Queensland sun, head to the Coopers Roll Bar for a few cold beverages and prime viewing position on Turn 5.

Leave the rest of the plebs on the ground and take off into the sky for a bird's-eye view of the track and coast with a 6-minute helicopter ride.

Merchandise Alley is the best place to visit if you want to purchase some items to show your racing team support. There are also stunt team vehicles on display and simulators that let you get behind the wheel.

Helicopter capturing the top view of the race in the Supercars Championship
Catch some of the racing action from a helicopter (Image: V8 Supercars)

 


First time in the GC? City Scoop: Gold Coast

Your complete guide. Gold Coast Travel Guide


Where To Stay

The Gold Coast has a great range of budget-friendly and luxury accommodation at Surfers Paradise and in nearby suburbs such as Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach and Burleigh Heads

Paradise Inn Motel (3 Stars)

Family-owned and run, this motel is one of the most iconic on the Surfers Paradise strip. It has maintained a solid reputation with comfortable studio rooms, free parking, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, onsite restaurant and good proximity to the beach. You're also very close to the GC 600.

Approx. $130 per night

Club Surfers (3.5 Stars)

With a convenient location between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, this hotel lets you choose between metropolis and laid-back beach town. There's a games room, two pools, tennis courts and spa, and it won't take you long to reach the racing action.

Approx. $140 per night

Grosvenor Beachfront Apartments (3.5 Stars)

The Grosvenor features one- and two-bedroom apartments right on the Esplanade, so you can walk from your accommodation to the event grounds. There's also a swimming pool, free parking, spa and the beach only metres from the front door.

Approx. $165 per night

 

 

 

 


Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to the Castrol Gold Coast 600 (23-25 October).


 

 QLD travel ideas banner

 

Book your domestic flights here today

 

gold coast queensland surfers paradise

...loading
Flight Centre

Flight Centre acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia.

© Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412.

*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Review any specific conditions stated and our general terms at Terms and Conditions. Prices & taxes are correct as at the date of publication & are subject to availability and change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until the dates specified unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person.