Surfers Paradise: Series pre-race news 2009-10-19

BRISBANE, V8 SUPERCAR DRIVERS REVVED UP FOR NIKON SUPERGP

Ten local V8 Supercar heroes made the trip to Brisbane today to meet the fans ahead of this Thursday's October 22 kick off for the Nikon SuperGP, and their message was clear: they're revved up.

With the new race program announced over the weekend -- four 150km V8 Supercar races and the Australian Legends program -- all of the drivers were keen to share their thoughts on what they expect to be a great four days of motor racing.

"It is a sport that I love and I love the racing -- so it will be 50 percent more fun this weekend -- its going to be great," enthused reigning Gold Coast winner and V8 Supercar champion Jamie Whincup.

"It is a big thumbs up for me and I think it will be great for the fans -- I love the track and this event is one of my big ones as its local and I love the layout -- I really am just rearing to get into it."

The pilot of the IRWIN Racing Ford, Alex Davison, echoed Whincup's statements.

"There has been a lot of talk over the last few days but I think the news about four 150km races and also having the Australian Legends on track means that it is going to be a great event," said Davison.

"I grew up watching these cars so I can't wait to get on the fence and watch these cars going around."

Now with four 150km races, spectators at the Nikon SuperGP will be treated to 600kms of V8 action over the weekend, even before the track-time offered by practice, qualifying and the Top Ten Shoot Out is counted.

In addition, a brand new category, set to celebrate the legends of Australian motorsport and their great machines, who each day of the event will undertake a 25 minute on-track session at race pace.

The Australian Legends category will see some of Australian motorsports great names, including Dick Johnson, Kevin Bartlett, John French, Glenn Seton and Colin Bond set to thrill the crowd at close to race speeds in machines that have been a part of Australian motorsport folklore for generations -- loud, fast and sideways!

They will be driving a host of former championship and Bathurst-winning cars including Allan Moffat's famous Coca-Cola Mustang, Norm Beechey's Monaro, Ian "Pete" Geoghegan's Super Falcon, Bartlett's famous Channel 9 Camaro, Peter Brock's A9X Torana, Jim Richard's JPS 635 BMW, Glenn and Bo Seton's Ford Capri and Johnson's Tru Blue Falcon XD -- all valued well in excess of $1 million each.

Johnson will be joined by his son Steve, who will also be competing in the four 150km V8 Supercar races on the streets of the Gold Coast and who is looking forward to driving a couple of the cars which made his dad a household name in Australia.

On top of all of this amazing line-up which is set to grow over the coming days, the event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first of Sir Jack Brabham's three Formula 1 world titles, with a re-enactment of that win and the appearance of Sir Jack alongside his Le Mans winning son Geoff and talented grandson Matthew in special parade lap.

Nikon SuperGP General Manager Greg Hooton said he was looking forward to seeing the new race program in action.

"Whilst it is obviously disappointing that they'll be no A1GP's racing, the new V8 Supercar track additions and parade of legends from our great sport of motor racing, will certainly offer spectators more on and off track action with real value for money," said Hooton.

The Nikon SuperGP is the Australian Motorsport festival and these additions and the improved on and off track entertainment program will guarantee this Nikon SuperGP will be one to remember.

The line-up will include the return of the crowd-favourite 'Freestyle Motocross Air Show', with a state-of-the-art portable ramp allowing riders to jump a 75 foot gap of fresh air and tarmac while performing signature moves.

Also keeping the fans entertained will be the powerful machines of the Australian Defence Force - both in the air for the Sea FM Air Show, and on the ground with their 'Heavy Metal' vehicle parade.m while the group of Motorsport legends and their cars will be on constant display in a free public pit area

Taking the stage over the event will be some of the Australian music industry's oldest and newest stars will feature including break-out Australian act, Cassie Davis (singer of 'Like it Loud', 'Differently' and 'Do it Again'). She'll be sharing the stage with legendary Aussie band The Choirboys and many other talents.

-credit: supergp.com