11/11/2008
NEWS STORY
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A1GP looks to be heading to Australia's Gold Coast in 2009, where it will replace the Gold Coast Indy 300.
Although there is no word from A1GP organizers, Premier Anna Bligh appears to have jumped the gun, announcing that the deal will be confirmed within a week.
"I am sure A1GP will be a terrific attraction for both 'revheads' and new fans to the world of motorsport," said Ms Bligh, according to the Brisbane Times. "It will give a new lease of life to our event on-track with all the fun and excitement off-track also set to continue."
The State Government had been in talks with the owners of the Indy Racing League who wanted the event moved to March, which would have seen it clash with the Australian Grand Prix and the start of the Australian football season. Unwilling to meet IRL's demands, Bligh says the government has now reached an agreement with A1GP organisers to stage a race for the next five years.
"It would have involved track construction right in the middle of the January school holidays and we would not tolerate Gold Coast residents being inconvenienced in that way," said Bligh.
Then, having clearly been 'briefed' by the A1GP organizers, she continued: "The A1GP series is one of the newest and most exciting in the world. The audience for A1GP continues to grow each year with the broadcast reaching more than 700 million household across the world during this year's season. Television exposure equals tourism dollars and more international tourists to our shores.
"Our motor racing carnival generates around $60 million for our economy each year and in these tough times it provides a terrific boost for the local economy and community."
Having previously raced at Easter Creek, A1GP doesn't include an Australian event in its 2008/2009 calendar, though there remains a vacant slot in April 2009.