Aussie Indy races to 300,000 mark

The Indy carnival is on track to smash the 300,000 crowd barrier again, with confirmation yesterday that ticket sales are continuing to soar.

Lexmark Indy 300 general manager Greg Hooton said the precinct would be completed on time, with near capacity crowds across the four days of racing.

"Ticket sales are certainly tracking to last year's figures. Our aim is the 300,000-plus mark and that's where we're certainly heading," he said.

"The grandstand sales are doing really well and the general admissions are tracking along."

News of strong ticket sales came as Porsche was announced as the official vehicle of the carnival.

Porsche vehicles will be used for off-track VIP transportation and official on-track duties. The cars will be supplied by local dealer Terry Knight.

The Indy precinct is rapidly going up in the middle of the glitter strip, but Mr. Hooton said construction was having limited impact on residents in the area.

"Our plan is to make sure that we minimize our impact on the community," he said.

"At the same time, it brings in a lot of dollars and a lot of work for the community, so you've got to balance that off. We don't act in isolation when we do this event. We understand that we're part of the fabric of the community and we've got to work within that fabric."

Mr. Hooton said construction of the track was a huge logistical operation.

"It's huge not only from making sure you get the timing right, but the safety aspect — we're operating in the middle of highways and roads."

The Indy carnival runs from October 18 to 21. Goldcoast.com.au