SuperGP to give tourism a rev

Organisers are tipping 250,000 race fans to pour through the gates of the 2009 Nitro SuperGP from October 22-25, when $60 million will be injected into the local economy.

THE Nitro SuperGP is regarded as one of the ‘crown jewel’ motorsport events worldwide and one of the most popular sporting and entertainment events in Australia each year. The event, formerly the Lexmark Indy 300, traditionally attracts more than 350 national and international companies to our sunny shores.

Nitro SuperGP sales and marketing manager Paul Pamenter, says the event will be a high-octane extravaganza.

“Each year the Nitro SuperGP has grown from strength to strength and demonstrated itself as an incredibly strong and unique way for businesses to connect with the people that are crucial to their success,” says Pamenter.

As Queensland’s largest sporting event, the Nitro SuperGP is the perfect platform not only for fans to get a taste of the action but also for businesses wishing to connect with staff, clients or business partners outside of the boardroom.

Corporate boxes are selling fast as the international business world pulls into the Gold Coast for three days of adrenaline-fuelled entertainment.

“In the economic times facing Australian business, it has never been more important for companies to stay connected to the groups that form the lynch-pins of what they do and who they are – be that staff, business partners or clients,” says Pamenter.

The Nitro SuperGP will see more than 20 nations battle head-to-head when the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport joins the Australian V8 Supercars Championship Series.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says the event is one of the longest-running and most successful of its kind in the world.

“The Gold Coast has become a permanent fixture on the international motorsport circuit and the festival has been entertaining locals and visitors alike for nearly two decades,” says Bligh.

“And this year is expected to be bigger and better with the sleek, Ferrari-powered A1GPs mixing it with the pure muscle and brute force of our home-grown V8 Supercars.

“Our hotels and hospitality industry will benefit from more than 173,000 visitor nights; locals will benefit from the equivalent of over 550 casual, full-time jobs; and the Queensland economy will get a $60 million shot in the arm.”