IRL walked away from all this in Surfers

No other race in the world is promoted as well as the annual Surfers paradise event every October. The IRL walked away from an event that has 30 years of history and weeks of special events leading up to the race, yet they talk about adding venues that might draw 15,000 to 20,000 people on race day and a pathetic Versus TV rating of 0.15 to 0.2 with very little international TV distribution. The IRL's loss is A1GP's gain.

Over 30 Official Off-track Events will take over the Gold Coast in the lead up to and during this year’s Nikon SuperGP, and today Event Organizers officially released the calendar that will see the Gold Coast come alive during the month of October.

Nikon SuperGP Event Advisory Committee Chairman Ian Cousins joined with Cr Susie Douglas – Gold Coast City Council Economic Development and Tourism Chair – and Surfers Paradise Alliance (SPA) CEO Rowena Howe under the iconic Surfers Paradise arch earlier today to announce the calendar, flanked by colorful performers of the calendar’s signature event – the SuperGP Surfers Paradise Street Parade.

The Street Parade is a joint initiative between the Nikon SuperGP, the SPA and the Gold Coast City Council, and in 2009 will return to its glory days with over 200 performers set to parade through central Surfers Paradise over the Friday and Saturday nights of the event, led by 30 classic muscle cars and complete with stilt walkers, dancers, lyrical performers and percussionists.

Nikon SuperGP Event Advisory Committee Chairman Ian Cousins said the Official Off-track Events Calendar was all about bringing people to the Gold Coast in the lead up to Queensland’s largest event – the Nikon SuperGP.

“The Official Off-track Events Calendar of the Nikon SuperGP is all about encouraging people to travel to the SuperGP and the Gold Coast earlier and stay longer, providing additional economic impact to the local economy," said Cousins.

“It also aims to provide extra entertainment benefits for those who live in the area, and to extend the festival atmosphere through the entire Gold Coast region for the month of October.

“In 2009, with over 30 Official Off-track Events on the calendar and with the SuperGP Surfers Paradise Street Parade undergoing a revamp, I believe we have one of our best calendars to date and look forward to seeing both locals and visitors enjoying the entertainment on offer."

SPA CEO Rowena Howe said she couldn’t wait to see the Official Off-track Events Calendar come to life with a large number of events happening in Surfers Paradise.

“This year’s Surfers Paradise Carnival features a fantastic off-track entertainment schedule promising to be amongst the best ever – with the SuperGP Street Parade set to be an amazing spectacle," said Howe.

“Surfers Paradise will be the best place for off-track fun, with a number of events planned over the four day event which will see the area live up to its reputation as Queensland’s event capital.

“I am so excited for Surfers Paradise to be included as part of the official off-track entertainment program as the entire precinct will come alive for this massive event."

Gold Coast City Council Economic Development and Tourism Chair, Cr Susie Douglas, said the new A1GP and V8 Supercar line-up would ensure the Gold Coast continued to present the best motor sports festival in Australia.

“The A1GP – while new to the Gold Coast – is an established racing format that pits nation against nation and attracts a large world-wide audience. Every year the V8s put on a fabulous show and they can be guaranteed to do the same again," said Cr Douglas.

“This will be an exciting program of top class motor racing, supported as usual by a fun program of off-track entertainment."

The 2009 Nikon SuperGP will host Event 11 of the V8 Supercars Championship Series and the first round of the 2009/10 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.

The event is produced through a partnership between the Queensland Government and IMG – tickets for this year’s event are on sale now through Ticketek on 1300 303 103.

For all the latest ticket information visit the event’s website www.SuperGP.com. From a one day General Admission ticket to a 4 day Platinum Grandstand seat, the Nikon SuperGP has ticket options to suit every style and pocket. One day General Admission tickets start from just $35 and Four Day passes start from $180. Children 12 and under are free to enter the event. See SuperGP.com for all ticketing information, terms and conditions and prices.

2009 NIKON SUPERGP: OFFICIAL OFFTRACK EVENTS CALENDAR:

SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER

STREET TORQUE & KING OF THE COAST
Now in its 17th year, Street Torque has established itself as one of Queensland’s most spectacular auto shows featuring Street Machines, Hi-Tech Imports, Dyno Comps, Show & Shine, Drift Pro Tour and heaps of entertainment. This double-header event also features King of the Coast where Australia’s best Freestyle Motocross riders go head to head.

Venue: Parklands Showgrounds, Gold Coast
Time: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Tickets: Adults $25/ Under 14 $10/ Under 6 Free
Contact: Raceline Promotions
Telephone: 07 5537 8255
Email: racelinepromo@yahoo.com
Website: www.racelineevents.com

FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER

QLD PACING CHAMPIONSHIP
Harness the power with QLD’s largest harness racing event of the year! With the best horses competing for $200,000 its sure to be an electric night of racing. With free rides for the kids and plenty of prizes to be won this is an event not to be missed!

Venue: Parklands Showgrounds, Gold Coast
Time: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Tickets: $10
Contact: Harness Racing Queensland
Telephone: 07 5537 2781
Email: jhutt@qld.harness.org.au
Website: www.harnessthepower.com.au

SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER

NIKON SUPERGP HOP
Dance, dine and party the night away at the Nikon SuperGP Hop rock and roll dance. Swing and boogie with a local band playing rock and roll plus enter in for all sorts of lucky door and draw prizes. All money raised on the night will help fund club subsidized events.

Venue: Runaway Bay Community Hall
Time: 6:30pm – 11:30pm
Tickets: Members $10/ Non Members $15
Contact: Gold Coast Rockers
Telephone: 0419 500 123
Website: www.goldcoastrockers.com

SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER

GOLD COAST UNITED VS PERTH GLORY
Be there as captain and marquee player Jason Culina leads Gold Coast United onto Skilled Park for the big game against the boys from the west, Perth Glory. Join football fans from across the Gold Coast and add to the exciting atmosphere generated by the debut season of Gold Coast United.

Venue: Skilled Park, Robina
Time: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Tickets: $29-$55
Contact: Ticketek
Telephone: 132 849
Website: www.goldcoastunited.com.au/ www.ticketek.com.au

MONDAY 19 OCTOBER

NIKON SUPERGP BRISBANE AUTOGRAPH SESSION
Head to Reddacliff Place in Brisbane for one of the most popular FREE events on the Official Off-track Events Calendar. This is your chance to meet and greet drivers, grab an autograph and ask some of your burning questions.

Venue: Reddacliff Place, Brisbane
Time: 12:00noon
Tickets: Free
Contact: SuperGP
Telephone: 07 5588 6800
Website: www.SuperGP.com

TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER

GOLD FM NIKON SUPERGP BREAKFAST
Business Breakfast to promote 92.5 Gold FM to clients and representatives of Gold Coast businesses. Guest Speakers are from Jim Beam Racing; Steven Johnson and James Courtney and from Crimsafe Ford; Grant Denyer. The breakfast is themed around the Nikon SuperGP event.

Venue: Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa
Time: 6:45am – 8:30am
Tickets: Invitation only
Radio Station: 92.5 Gold FM

TW STEEL MISS SUPERGP OFFICIAL WELCOME PARTY
How would you like to have dinner with the TW Steel Miss SuperGP finalists? Well now you can mix, mingle and dine with all the 2009 finalists at the Official Welcome Party at Hard Rock Cafe; Surfers Paradise. Price includes a two course meal, soft drink and live entertainment.

Venue: Hard Rock Cafe Surfers Paradise
Time: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets: $45 per person (bookings essential)
Contact: Hard Rock Cafe
Telephone: 07 5539 9377
Website: www.hardrock.com/surfersparadise

TW STEEL MISS SUPERGP SPORTSWEAR JUDGING
TW Steel Miss SuperGP Sportswear Judging – Mix and mingle with the TW Steel Miss SuperGP National Finalists plus see the official Sportswear Judging. Finalists are judged on their own choice of sportswear, music and routines.

Venue: Cocktails and Dreams, Surfers Paradise
Time: 10:30pm – 12:30am
Tickets: Free Entry
Contact: Cocktails & Dreams
Telephone: 07 5592 1955
Website: www.cocktailsnightclub.com.au

WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER

TW STEEL MISS SUPERGP BEACH VOLLEYBALL CHALLENGE
Australia's ultimate tourism destination, Surfers Paradise Beach hosts a great day of beach volleyball action when the TW Steel Miss SuperGP, A1GP and V8 Supercar drivers join together in a round robin style Volleyball competition with lots of fun thrown in.

Venue: Surfers Paradise Beach
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Tickets: Free
Contact: Procon Leisure
Telephone: 07 5592 1206
Website: www.MissSuperGP.com

TW STEEL MISS SUPERGP SWIMWEAR JUDGING
TW Steel Miss SuperGP Swimwear Judging – Your chance to catch all the National Finalists as they model their own choice of swimwear in the newly renovated Atrium Bar at Conrad Jupiters. This is definitely one of the most popular rounds of the TW Steel Miss SuperGP competition. Make sure you’re there early for a front row seat.

Venue: Atrium Bar, Conrad Jupiters
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Tickets: Free
Contact: Conrad Jupiters
Telephone: 07 5592 8100
Website: www.conradjupiters.com.au

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL WELCOME RECEPTION
On Wednesday October 21, Conrad Jupiters will give the green light to the 2009 Nikon SuperGP with the Queensland Government Official Welcome Reception. This invite-only event plays host to government and event VIPs, drivers and TW Steel Miss SuperGP finalists.

Venue: Conrad Jupiters
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Tickets: Invite Only
Contact: Nikon SuperGP
Telephone: 07 5588 6800
Website: www.SuperGP.com

CELEBRITY TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER TOURNAMENT
The Celebrity Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament will deliver Pure Poker Power on Wednesday October 21 from 8:30pm. Local celebrities and sports stars will go head to head with Nikon SuperGP drivers on Conrad Jupiters toughest circuit with the winner taking home $5,000 for their nominated charity.

Venue: Conrad Jupiters
Time: 8:30pm
Tickets: Free to watch
Contact: Conrad Jupiters
Telephone: 07 5592 8100
Website: www.conradjupiters.com.au

THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER

SUPERGP CARNIVALE LUNCHEON
The annual SuperGP Carnivale Luncheon now in its ninth year attracts the who’s who of the Gold Coast. These guests come together for a spectacular day of fun, entertainment, glamour and fundraising. Held in La Medusa Ballroom at Palazzo Versace.

Venue: Palazzo Versace Gold Coast
Time: 11:30am – 3:30pm
Tickets: $150
Contact: Palazzo Versace Gold Coast
Telephone: 07 5509 8000
Website: www.palazzoversace.com

2009 V8 SUPERCAR DRIVERS LUNCH
Join VIP guests at this special Nikon SuperGP Official Off-track Event presented by Performax International, the V8 Supercar Drivers Lunch will coincide with the exclusive premier “Australian Launch" of America’s exciting all new V8 muscle car the “2010 Chevy Camaro" – Lucky door prize new Holden Barina.

Venue: Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
Time: 12noon – 4:00pm
Tickets: $130 per person /$1250 table of 10 (Includes lunch and beverages)
Contact: Hickey Sports Marketing
Telephone: 07 5594 7977
Website: www.hsmgroup.com.au

TW STEEL MISS SUPERGP GRAND FINAL
This will be an evening of glamour and excitement with the National Finalists choreographed in stunning routines, culminating in an explosive finale before the highly anticipated announcement of the 2010 TW Steel Miss SuperGP.

Venue: Pavillion Marque, Conrad Jupiters
Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets: $49
Contact: Ticketmaster
Telephone: 1300 888 086
Website: www.ticketmaster.com.au

FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER

XBOX 360 OVERDRIVE PARTY
Renowned as ‘THE PARTY’ to attend, this annual sell-out event will be the highlight of the week for Nikon SuperGP party goers. Featuring an array of non-stop entertainment and live performances from Australia’s hottest DJ’s, the Xbox 360 Overdrive Party is highly anticipated by both drivers, celebrities, models, and the public alike. The 2009 Xbox 360 Overdrive Party is proudly presented in association with BlackBerry and XXXX Summer Bright Lager.

Venue: Titanium Bar, Surfers Paradise
Time: 7:30pm – 2:00am
Tickets: $65 each/ or $55 for five or more people
Contact: Moshtix
Telephone: 1300 438 849
Email: tickets@overdriveparty.com.au
Website: www.overdriveparty.com.au

NIKON SUPERGP POWER PARTY
In celebration of the Nikon SuperGP, join 1two3 Dining and Lounge Bar in the fast lane for the Nikon SuperGP Power Party. Speeding down the track from 5pm till late, this Power Party will have you geared up for the excitement of the weekend ahead.

Venue: 1two3 Dining & Lounge Bar, Broadbeach
Time: 5:00pm – 2:00am
Tickets: Free
Contact: 1two3 Dining & Lounge Bar
Telephone: 07 5538 4123
Website: www.1two3bar.com.au

POWERBLITZ
An awesome free night of methanol fuelled entertainment. There’ll be loads to see with a massive Show & Shine, Glow and Audio Show, DJ’s, FMX performances, 50’s Motard Carnage and the main event featuring the national final of the Stadium Drift Pro Tour. This is an all ages and alcohol free event so make sure you bring the whole family.

Venue: Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Time: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets: Free
Contact: Raceline Promotions
Telephone: 07 5537 8255
Website: www.racelineevents.com

THE GOLD COAST BLAZE VS. CAIRNS TAIPANS
Come and join 5,000 screaming fans to FEEL the adrenaline, SEE the high-flying action and HEAR the rim rattle after a dunk as the Gold Coast Blaze battle the Cairns Taipans in what is always a must-see NBL matchup!

Venue: Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
Time: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets: Starting at $10; Family pass (2 adults / 4 kids) $45.00
Contact: Gold Coast Blaze
Telephone: 07 5527 5427/ 1300 BLAZEGC
Website: www.blazegc.com.au

RALPH PARTY
Have the night of our life at this year’s Ralph Party at East Nightclub in Broadbeach! This always popular event will have you mixing and mingling with a line-up of beautiful Ralph models, brushing shoulders with local celebrities and enjoying lots of entertainment and bikinis.

Venue: East Nightclub, Broadbeach
Time: 9:00pm – 5:00am
Tickets: Tickets $55/ Early Bird $45
Contact: East Nightclub
Telephone: 07 5538 8868
Website: www.east88.com.au

CONRAD JUPITERS SUPERGP GALA BALL
For one night only, guests will trade the gravel and grunt of the Nikon SuperGP for the glitz and glamour of Conrad Jupiters
Pavilion Ballroom for the 2009 Conrad Jupiters SuperGP Gala Ball. Drivers, team owners, celebrities and the who’s who of the Nikon SuperGP will come together for this exclusive, invite-only event.

Venue: Pavilion Ballroom, Conrad Jupiters
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: Invite-only
Contact: Conrad Jupiters
Telephone: 07 5592 8100
Website: www.conradjupiters.com.au

LIVE, LOUD & LOCAL @ HARD ROCK CAFÉ
The Hard Rock Cafe is your live music venue for the 2009 Nikon SuperGP! Tonight MM9 headline the three band line up! MM9 first brought their brand of hard-edged electro-rock to the stages of their hometown of Sydney, Australia in early 2003, and created a groundswell of support that has firmly established them as one of Australia’s premier touring acts. Tonight they bring it to you live at the Hard Rock!

Venue: Hard Rock Cafe, Surfers Paradise
Time: 9:30pm
Tickets: $15 at the door
Contact: Hard Rock Cafe
Telephone: 07 5539 9377
Website: www.hardrockcafe/surfersparadise

FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER

SUPERGP SURFERS PARADISE STREET PARADE
On both Friday and Saturday night over 200 performers will parade through the streets of central Surfers Paradise in colorful and vibrant costumes incorporating dancers, stilt walkers, percussionists and lyrical performers. The parade, led by 30 classic muscle cars, will feature differently themed sections with a diverse style representing both the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and V8 Supercars.

Venue: Surfers Paradise Boulevard / Cavill Ave / Orchid Ave / Elkhorn Ave Circuit.
Time: 7:30pm start
Tickets: Free
Contact: Surfers Paradise Alliance
Telephone: 07 5584 3700
Website: www.surfersparadise.com

SUPERGP SURFERS PARADISE SHOW & SHINE
Gorge your eyes on the classic muscle cars featured in the Street Parade at the SuperGP Surfers Paradise Show & Shine. Be there at Appel Park from 8:15pm to tantalise your auto taste buds, bust out to local DJ rhythms and enjoy the festive nature that is the Nikon SuperGP.

Venue: Appel Park, Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise (Next to Titanium Bar / behind Circle on Cavill.)
Time: 8:15pm
Tickets: Free
Contact: Surfers Paradise Alliance
Telephone: 07 5584 3700
Website: www.surfersparadise.com

FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER – SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER

SUPERGP CAVILL LIVE
Get amongst all the action inside the Surfers Paradise precinct during the Nikon SuperGP. Dubbed ‘SuperGP Cavill Live’, Cavill Mall will feature live music acts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights entertaining the public and creating an electrifying atmosphere. Mental as Anything will be cranking out some well known Oz rock anthems Sunday night, followed by a fireworks display on Surfers Paradise beach, which is set to be a huge performance!

Venue: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
Time: Friday / Saturday nights 8:00pm. Sunday night 6:30pm.
Tickets: Free
Contact: Surfers Paradise Alliance
Telephone: 07 5584 3700
Website: www.surfersparadise.com

SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER

SUPERGP BROADBEACH PIT STOP
Drive the family into Broadbeach to celebrate the Broadbeach SuperGP Pit Stop. Enjoy a night jam packed with entertainment including stilt walkers, bands, characters and a spectacular 92.5 Gold FM fireworks display at 7:30pm. Come and create the colour of the Nikon SuperGP in Broadbeach.

Venue: Broadbeach
Time: 5:00pm – 10:00pm (Fireworks at 7:30pm)
Tickets: Free
Contact: Broadbeach Alliance
Telephone: 07 5539 8416
Website: www.broadbeachgc.com

NOVA 106.9’S PIT PARTY
Listen to Nova 106.9 in the month of October and you could win the hottest tickets in town. Leading up the race, Nova will test your knowledge on the countries competing in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and give you the chance to win tickets to Nikon SuperGP and Nova’s Pit Party.

Venue: Conrad Jupiters
Tickets: Tickets can be won by listening to Nova 106.9
Telephone: 07 3872 6999
Website: www.nova1069.com.au

HARD ROCK ROCKS SUPERGP FEATURING THE CHOIRBOYS!
As the sun sets on the race track, Hard Rock revs it up with live music, raw and loud for your aural pleasure!!! The Choirboys are performing live and loud on Nikon SuperGP Saturday! For over two decades the Choirboys have been cranking the Australian rock music scene and they’re exactly what Aussie rock is all about – come see for yourself!

Venue: Hard Rock Cafe, Surfers Paradise
Time: 9:30pm
Tickets: $25 Advance from www.oztix.com.au or at Hard Rock Cafe
Contact: Hard Rock Cafe
Telephone: 07 5539 9377
Website: www.hardrock.com/surfersparadise

SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER

NIKON SUPERGP THUNDERCATS RACING
Head to Surfers Paradise on Saturday and catch the super-fast Thundercats race across the waves at Narrowneck Beach. Witness the flips, thrills and spills of these high speed inflatable boats capable of speeds up to 100km/hour.

Venue: Narrowneck Beach, Surfers Paradise
Time: 9:30am – 1:30pm
Tickets: Free
Contact: John Kerrisk, Neptune Marine
Telephone: 0433 507 620
Website: www.brisbanecoastthundercats.com.au

OFFICIAL NIKON SUPERGP WRAP PARTY
Join drivers, pit crews, sponsors, promotional models, Nikon SuperGP staff and the TW Steel Miss SuperGP Team for the Official Nikon SuperGP Wrap Party! This is the one time everyone has a chance to let their hair down and have some fun. A night of shoulder rubbing with the who's who of the racing world and a chance to farewell the 2009 Nikon SuperGP in style.

Venue: East Nightclub, Broadbeach
Time: 9.00pm
Tickets: $15 Cover Charge
Contact: East Nightclub
Telephone: 07 5538 8868
Website: www.MissSuperGP.com

SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER

GOLD COAST ANTIQUE AUTO CLUB – AUTORAMA EVENT
The Mudgeeraba Heritage Centre will be a haven for historic car enthusiasts. Cars will be attending from Southern QLD and Northern NSW for the weekend event. Rocker Cover racing will take place at 11am prior to the cars touring in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Venue: Mudgeeraba Heritage Centre,
238 Mudgeeraba Rd, (opposite Milky Way)
Time: 10:00am -12:00noon
Tickets: Free
Contact: Lyn Neuendorf
Telephone: 0427 264 732
Website: www.gcaac.com.au