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Australian SuperGP news 2009-08-20

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR SUPERGP AS NEW FACILITIES UNVEILED The new era of motorsport on the Gold Coast has moved ever closer this week, with the first steps in construction for the SuperGP's street circuit completed ahead of the October 22-25 ...

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR SUPERGP AS NEW FACILITIES UNVEILED

The new era of motorsport on the Gold Coast has moved ever closer this week, with the first steps in construction for the SuperGP's street circuit completed ahead of the October 22-25 event with the positioning of the first pedestrian bridge near Tedder Avenue.

SuperGP General Manager Greg Hooton and Event Director David Bennett were joined on the Gold Coast Highway today by reigning TW Steel Miss SuperGP Mareika van den Berg in celebration of this milestone, and also unveiled the plans for the new pit facility which will be in place for this year's event.

Hooton said he was pleased to be able to celebrate the beginning of construction and show the new plans, with business as usual for Australia's Premier Motorsport event.

"It is really exciting to see the event moving forward into this next important stage of its development," said Hooton.

"Already construction is surging ahead, and as the days count down to this year's SuperGP I am sure everyone will see that it is business as usual for our four day, four night festival on the streets of Surfers Paradise.

"Also exciting is the introduction of the new pit lane facilities, which will house the V8 Supercars and also provide new corporate suites from 2009."

Bennett explained further on the pit lane facilities, noting that the new facility will enhance the experience for corporate guests of the 19th annual SuperGP.

"After 18 years of use we have retired the original pit facilities and entered into a partnership with Roder HTS Hocker to deliver a new pit building for V8 Supercars and corporate guests alike," said Bennett.

"The new facility has boosted our corporate capacity in the V8 Supercar pit area and allowed us to reduce our corporate build around the track in an effort to create better viewing opportunities for the public around the circuit.

"This has in essence been a redevelopment of the pit lane bringing the entire pit building forward and ensuring we can accommodate the new 2 x 200km race format for V8 Supercars including refuelling stops meaning corporate patrons will literally be directly above the action of V8 Supercar pit stops."

The SuperGP street circuit is considered by many as one of the top three street circuits in the world.

"It is a significant achievement to convert a thriving and bustling commercial and recreational district into a motor racing circuit, able to facilitate more than 250,000 people and high-speed motor racing action," said Bennett.

"This major undertaking involves cooperation and support from State Government, Gold Coast City Council, other State and Local Authorities, hundreds of contractors, residents and commuters.

"It is a very slick operation with minimal disruptions to Gold Coast residents and commuters. Some disturbance is unavoidable but we are always striving to keep this to a minimum."

Over the next two months leading into the SuperGP, the construction schedule will include:
* 2515 concrete barriers (10km) weighing 4 tonne each
* 8,500 grandstand seats
* 10km debris fencing
* 16km security fencing
* 7 pedestrian bridges
* 4 over-track signs
* 5 big screens
* 500 televisions
* 100 corporate suites
* 190 temporary sheds, containers & reefers
* 6000 man hours of electrical reticulation
* 100km of cabling
* 1 International Standard Temporary Outside Broadcast Compound
* 700 trackside marshals (fire marshals, trackside, flag, communications, spectator, etc.)
* 700 officials (gates, grandstands, corporate suites, info booths, accreditation centre, media centre, etc.)
* 6000 Permanent residents inside track precinct

Gold Coast based company IEDM are instrumental in overseeing the extensive build procedure ensuring that the event is delivered on time and on budget.

To facilitate the construction of the circuit, a traffic initiative introduced in 1999 will continue this year in an effort to reduce traffic delays.

Two traffic lanes will remain open on the Gold Coast Highway at all times with the speed limit on the southbound side reduced from 70km/h to 50km/h during the construction process. At some periods this is again reduced to 40km/h in specific zones which are sign posted. For more information please contact the SuperGP on 07 5588 6800 or visit www.supergp.com

The SuperGP is produced through a partnership between the Queensland Government and IMG - tickets for this year's event are on sale now through Ticketek on 1300 303 103.

For all the latest ticket information visit the event's website www.SuperGP.com. From a one day General Admission ticket to a 4 day Platinum Grandstand seat, the SuperGP has ticket options to suit every style and pocket. One day General Admission tickets start from just $35 and Four Day passes start from $180. Children 12 and under are free to enter the event. See SuperGP.com for all ticketing information, terms and conditions and prices.

ABOUT A1GP WORLD CUP OF MOTORSPORT
Pitting nation against nation in the World Cup of Motorsport, A1GP unites countries in a competition where human bravery, skill and excellence determine victory.

Racing identical single-seat cars, the deliberately equalised technology allows countries as diverse as the USA, Lebanon, France, China and South Africa to compete on a level playing field.

ABOUT V8 SUPERCARS
V8 Supercars is proudly Australian made but fast becoming a leading world export. International expansion is already occurring as the sport becomes globally recognised as the best touring car racing in the world.

V8 Supercars is easily the largest motorsport category in Australia.

ABOUT THE SUPERGP, GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
The SuperGP is a partnership between the Queensland Government and IMG.

IMG is the world's premier Sports, Entertainment and Media Company. IMG is a diversified global business with two major business segments: IMG Sports & Entertainment, and IMG Media. IMG employs over 2,300 people in 30 countries. Forstmann Little & Co. purchased IMG in 2004.

The Queensland Government invests $11.6 Million a year into the SuperGP.

-credit: supergp

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