Day one of the Lexmark Indy 300 on Queensland’s Gold Coast was a clear record breaker today as perfect weather attracted a massive attendance figure of 56 867 people through the gates, surpassing the previous day one 2005 record of 56 786.
On the traditional people’s day of Australia’s biggest motorsports spectacular the event also welcomed its four millionth spectator to have attended during the 17 year history of the Lexmark Indy 300.
Banana Boat Students Day proved a major hit with almost 11 000 students, hailing from all areas of Queensland and Northern New South Wales, sampling the entertainment on offer.
Families, fans and individuals alike made the most of the opportunity to take in a feast of entertainment options which is set to escalate even further over the coming three days.
“Today was an awesome result and has seen the culmination of tireless planning and coordination from event organisers to provide the perfect start to this year’s Lexmark Indy 300, ” said event General Manager Greg Hooton.
“The most important consideration is that this provides a great platform for us to present another bumper three days of entertainment to an appreciative audience here on the Gold Coast.
“I’d like to think we are only getting started as we welcome the opening installments of our feature racing program with Champ Car and V8 Supercar drivers revving things up first thing tomorrow morning.
“For those contemplating a great day out there will of course be tickets available at the gate with action aplenty an absolute guarantee. ”
The wow factor of today’s on-track action was provided by Australia’s own Will Power who showcased the awesome speed aboard the Team Australia Champ Car in the speed comparison against the WPS Racing V8 Supercar driven by Grant Denyer while Max Wilson piloted a Chrysler 300C SRT8.
The Haymans Electrical V8 Utes, saw the first of three races showcase some close and exciting racing with Grove Fruit Juice’s Grant Johnson taking the win from his starting position on the front row.
The opening event of the Coates Aussie Racing Cars provided a locally based victory by VIP Petfoods driver Paul Kemal. This race wasn’t without incident when a number of drivers struggled to tame the Surfers Paradise track which resulted in the field being paced by the Safety Car for several laps.
There was further joy for Gold Coaster Marcus Marshall who proved too good in the opening Aunger Carrera Cup race this afternoon after starting from pole position. Marshall claimed the win ahead of fellow local Craig Baird and David Reynolds.
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