THERE’S BEEN big news from the Gold Coast in the last few weeks proving that major Motorsport events really are good for PR.
First it was Supercars’ plot to engage NASCAR to potentially form a future component of a revised Surfers Paradise Supercars event, which in the future looks to become a 500km, two-driver enduro on the Sunday.
Then the state premier went on record suggesting that it was time to bring IndyCar racing back to Australia – and that the governmental purse strings could be opened if the right kind of deal could be struck.
On paper, at least, it looks like this could be a win-win for all parties.
Supercars have been working towards a summer series for some time now, and the proposed February or March date for an IndyCar return to the Gold Coast would work perfectly for their calendar reshuffle.
IndyCar has been on record for some time suggesting their desire to bolster the early portion of their calendar – ostensibly the time between Christmas and the first race on US-soil in St. Petersburg in early March.
IndyCar’s current schedule is quite compressed, running little more than six months between March and the September finale’ in California. They won’t run much later to avoid the NFL season kick-off, so any new races need to go before the domestic season commences, during the end of the US Winter.
Which, in case you hadn’t noticed, is perfect timing for parts of the world where the weather is warm and the skies blue.
So on that basis, it looks like the stars could align and those craving for a return of IndyCar racing to these shores for the first time since 2008 could be finally, rewarded.
But there needs to be an addition to that because why have one IndyCar race when you can have two?
New Zealand is crying out for a major international motorsport event.
Odds of a World Rally Championship return don’t seem great, while fleeting visits from A1GP and Superbikes in the past never amounted to much.
Pukekohe’s annual Supercars round is proof that the demand is there – more than 110,000 attended across the three days this year.
Formula E has plans for a street race in Auckland but remains on the fringe of what could be classified ‘major’ international motorsport; though the presence of Mitch Evans would unquestionably add to the vibe should a Kiwi round come to fruition.
So on paper, IndyCar, with a recognised brand and a certain Scott Dixon remaining as good as ever, would be a perfect fit.
If the Queensland government is smart they’d reach out to their Kiwi compatriots and see if they can do a deal.
While the costs to do two rounds rather than one are obviously higher, if those costs are split between two parties then it works out cheaper for both.
And then there’s a tourism factor and the potential to cross promote a Trans-Tasman series.
As well as the travelling IndyCar circus, I’m certain there’d be a host of fans who would take up the chance to ‘do the double’ and go to both races if a suitable travel and ticketing package could be worked out.
As for circuits – as we know, New Zealand is filled with a host of sensational circuits that I’m sure IndyCar would be happy to go and play.
Hampton Downs would make serious sense, though Pukekohe in an IndyCar would be a sight to behold.
Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park near Taupo would be a logical option and fits the FIA grading that would be required; though logistics and location may play a role there because the city just may not be big enough.
Ultimately, location would sort itself out. In the meantime, making the most of a rare opportunity to grab an IndyCar race when it’s in the region should be in the forefront of all Kiwi race promoters minds.
With Scott Dixon remaining the king of the sport, Will Power giving him an Aussie arch-rival to race against and what is now arguably the most competitive open-wheel series around, it’s hard to argue against the fact it would be a box office smash.
For a time, the IndyCar race on the Gold Coast was second only to the Australian Grand Prix in terms of size, crowd and reach and, possibly for a while, may have even been ahead on wow-factor.
A similar style Kiwi event would be the biggest thing for motorsport on that side of the ditch in years.
It has to happen.
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