Surfers race called best in world
But the 38-year-old Toronto native is still amazed by what he sees during the race weekend that attracts more than 300,000 spectators.
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Fans line up 10 deep around the 2.7-mile street circuit |
"This is probably the biggest of any motor racing event in terms of the show and crowd support," Tracy said. "They bring new race promoters and venues to this event … this is the model that Champ Car wants to achieve."
The off-track entertainment includes appearances by the Royal Australian Air Force's Blackhawk helicopters, F-111 fighter jets and the precision Roulettes flying team, jet dragsters, a fleet of cars that burn continuous tire rubber around the track and hundreds of scantily clad women representing companies ranging from liquor and beer brands to mortgage firms.
"There is so much crazy stuff that goes on here that legally in the United States you could never do," says Tracy. "You can't have helicopters flying 300 feet off the ground, people doing burnouts with dragsters and doughnuts. You just can't get insurance for doing things like that … the lawsuits would be horrendous."
The crowds often get carried away. Police warned women this year that an annual race ritual – going topless – or often more – from many of the balconies in the high-rise resort hotels and apartments would not be tolerated.
And more than 60 persons were arrested on the streets of Surfers Paradise over the first two nights of the four-day race meet, most for liquor-related offences.
Another veteran driver, Oriol Servia of PKV Racing, agrees with Tracy that the race will always be unique because of the its beach location and sun and surf atmosphere.
"I've been to many European races, Monaco, the Formula Ones, and from a driver, from a fan, it's the best race on the planet," said Servia. Canadian press