Australia’s own V8 Supercar Championship Series has introduced a revitalised race format for 2007 which is set to excite event-goers at this year’s Lexmark Indy 300 on the Gold Coast from October 18 to 21. The 4.47km street circuit will host a round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series with three 120km races and an entirely new qualifying format which sees the elimination of the Top Ten Shootout.
There will be a new qualifying session with all cars participating in the first 15 minutes followed by a five minute break, then the fastest 20 cars continue for the next 15 minutes followed by another five minute break, and then the top 10 remain for the final 15 minutes to decide pole position. Race one will be held on Saturday afternoon with races two and three staged on Sunday.
V8 Supercars Australia Chairman Tony Cochrane said the new television package will also add a new element to the event this year. “The Gold Coast Indy event is going from strength to strength and with a record amount of television coverage by our broadcast partner Seven this year it will be even better, †Mr Cochrane said.
“More than 800 million people around the world will get the Seven telecast from the Gold Coast, including live coverage around Australia and into New Zealand on Saturday and Sunday. †Former Lexmark Indy 300 winner Russell Ingall from Caltex Racing is looking forward to plenty of hometown support in his quest to become the event’s first two-time champion. “Sun, surf and speed – who could ask for more out of a motor racing event, †said Ingall.
“The Lexmark Indy 300 has become one of the real jewels of world motorsport and every V8 Supercar driver enjoys the four days of activity that surrounds this event every year. †The Lexmark Indy 300 is the home event for many V8 Supercar teams including WPS Racing, Team Sirromet Wines, Jim Beam Racing, Stone Brothers Racing, Paul Cruickshank Racing and Team Vodafone.
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