Surfers Paradise 2009

[Kiwi3]

Originally Posted by Armco Bender

The whole point of the exercise was to bring masses of tourists to the Gold Coast like the Indy car race did,tens of thousands of Kiwis went across for the Indy Cars.
Just 4 weeks out from the 'race' theres absolutely no information about whats actually happening so how do they expect people to book holidays for an event the appears to be unlikely to happen.People I know that went over to the Indy cars are not even interested in going back now.
The V8s are the main attracting draw card,the A1GP would be seen as a support race,and you only have to look at the poor crowd numbers at the NZ A1 race compared with the huge crowds at the NZ V8 round to see how huge the V8's are down here.

In marketing terms for any large sporting event the TV audience is much more important than the live crowd at the event. The Queensland Govt. are supporting the event because of the broadcast footprint of A1GP. This is the point that the V8 fraternity don't seem to get.

However one must question whether the Queensland Govt. have done their homework on how many people actually watch those broadcasts...

[275 GTB-4]

I need a holiday! so hoping the meeting is a good one and is successful..

I doubt that the A1s will have the following with the public that the Indy cars did...not enough hype!! However, maybe we will get some converts if the racing is good

[fredd1]

Originally Posted by 275 GTB-4

I need a holiday! so hoping the meeting is a good one and is successful..

I doubt that the A1s will have the following with the public that the Indy cars did...not enough hype!! However, maybe we will get some converts if the racing is good

.......if the racing......

That 'if' is looking shakier and shakier.

[nomad_n]

It looks if it is in trouble again..... the latest from the ever reilable GC Bulltien: http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/...t-supergp.html

[Armco Bender]

A1GP appearance on Gold Coast in Doubt
The first round of the 2009 / 2010 A1GP season appears to be in doubt with claims the cars are not even on their way to Australia let alone will have the required safety improvements before the opening practice session on Thursday Morning let alone the planned test sessions at Queensland Raceway this Monday.

Nikon Super GP General Manager, Greg Hooton held a press conference today to attempt to clarify the position of his organisations dealings with A1GP organisers however his statement appears to raise more doubts than before.

This has caused a furious warning from acting Queensland Premier, Paul Lucas, giving A1GP organisers a 24hr ultimatum to guarantee the series cars will be flown from London to the Gold Coast in time for next week's race.

http://www.ozracingwrap.com/a1gp/814...-in-doubt.html

[williamsf1]

I have it on good authority that v8supercars are now racing 4 150km races ....

so no A1GP

[Francis Albert]

Same here. Apparently teams have been informed the event will not go ahead. An official statement is expected in the morning (Australian morning that is).

Let's see...

[275 GTB-4]

Originally Posted by Francis Albert

Same here. Apparently teams have been informed the event will not go ahead. An official statement is expected in the morning (Australian morning that is).

Let's see...

Well if the V8s are racing and a few other support categories then some sort of "event" will be run!!

[Francis Albert]

Sorry, I meant the A1GP "event"!

[Kiwi3]

I guess that would be it for A1GP then. I hope we don't get some half-baked release saying shame about Surfers but see you in Zhuhai or whatever. The few people that cared until now won't any more.

[Inside_Info]

Given this article today: http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/...oast-news.html can anyone really see the A1GP plans going ahead?

As I write this it is now 11:30pm on Friday in the UK, if teams are expected to be testing at 9am Monday in Australia (which is 12 or so hours ahead, I'm not exactly sure) it takes approx 24 hours to fly from the Uk (where most of the teams and many of the personnel are based) to Australia. The cars have been sat for what 6 months? Imagine the state they are in? Would you honestly expect to park your road car for 6 months and jump straight in it and drive off? Even with the most professional of teams, what chance is there of doing a complete overhaul with a racing car in 12 hours (allowing for the time difference) and being able to look the driver straight in the eye and say 'Its going to be fine'? Of course, that assumes the cars are there when the personnel arrive......................

[Ozden_1]

Hi All,

well I hope the promotors are prepared for some serious "flack" if the A1 GP cars don't show and without giving sufficient notice to get refunds on Tickets and accommodation.
I certainly would not have spent nearly $1200 on Grandstand tickets ( for two)plus accommodation and airfares just to watch the V8's.

Fingers crossed...

Cheers,

Dennis

[dougcharli]

Dennis, not sure how accurate this is, but I read yesterday where the promoters have steadfastly said they WILL NOT be offering any refunds on tickets.
Not bad, sting the punters for an "international" event, fail to deliver on the promise, and keep the $$$$.
Maybe that is why I am glad I left QLD for good.

[Gaz170]

Now they have announced reduced ticket prices for the event- Weekend ticket now $100 (was $145). Accommodation places still have approx 30% vacancies, now offering 2 day stays rather than the usual 4 or 5 day minimum this time of year.

Everyone involved will be getting some serious flack when this is over, especially when it has been revealed that the A1's have already been paid half their appearance fee, I guess that money is now gone for good.

[mac]

Perhaps the promoter should have tried a bit harder to keep the IndyCars... rather than bowing and scraping to The Great Cochrane...

Just a thought...

[Oldtony]

Ah but TC is the great savior!
Headlines todays Gold Coast Bulletin.

Aussie Muscle rams Eurotrash
V8 boss rescues SuperGP

Guess you wouldn't expect Tony to be humblr but that is a bit strong.
Looks like programe will be 4x150km V8 races. Qualy Friday for Sar races and Qualy Sun morning for Sunday races.

[N.A-D.R]

RIP A1GP 2005-2009

[Tourer]

OK - now confirmed on both sides of the world that A1GP not coming to Surfers Paradise.

I wonder what the FIA makes of all this? This is an FIA sanctioned series and this whole situation raises a lot of questions. Of course, A1GP have form at not running scheduled race meetings. In this case they've broken contracts, allegedly misled etc.

So when does it all stop? Surely this is bringing the sport into disrepute? A state government in a motor sport friendly country has now had a very bad experience with a high level FIA series. So what should the FIA be doing about it? Seems to me that they should be bringing Mr Texeira and all concerned to book - bloody ridiculous.

[Mak]

A1GP is not an FIA championship (the FIA Formula 2 championship is), it is only run under FIA sanction for safety issues, like most racing series. I agree that the managment should be held to book, especially TT. Also the organisers should be asked questions (especially why the had given money out prior to the event)as the current finacial A1GP problems are more that a year old and there were questions this time last year as to there liquidity. In fact the cars were seized twice during last season (1st occasion after 1st race). Then prior to NZ, when NZ seater holder had to bail them out.

[Mak]

Link http://www.ozracingwrap.com/a1gp/817...old-coast.html

What a load of rubbish from TT. He Keeps on about meeting obligations and paying everyone. He still owes money from two years ago and continues to say he will honor these debts. People are sick of the number of times he has said they will be payed that week. He should never of been allowed the position he has held and all those involved in A1 are not blameless as they have allowed his tenure. He has wrecked a fantastic concept and made it difficult for any legitimate professional series expand into new markets. The whole upper management needs to be replaced (but not without their taking responsibility for actions). I doubt if there is any future for A1 but any hope must lie with a totally new managment. Maybe some of the main franchisees could take it on as they have most to loose now.(but I fear they may just cut and run)

[Peat]

Well Kiwi3, prepared to be dissapointed. TT insists the series isn't dead.......

pile of c$$p. Mega-disappointed over here.

[Kebab]

I'm glad its not happening, it prevents any further damage caused by TT and co. to legitimate suppliers and businesses who trusted them too much! When you look at Energem, A1, etc. you understand that these people can't run a business in a straight way ... they're just criminals as far as I am concerned.

[Andy Roberts]

So angry that A1GP have screwed this up so badly!!

I've come down to the Gold Coast specifically to see the A1GP, have already booked in to a campsite and already picked up our weekend tickets, only to find out today 1st that the tickets have been reduced in price and then that A1GP is not coming!

What a nightmare!!! At least Gold Coast Queensland Motorsport are offering refunds for people like me who have pre-purchased tickets.

A1GP can now get stuffed. They will never ever have a chance in Australia again and I will never bother supporting or watching them again. Done.

[strider]

Originally Posted by N.A-D.R

RIP A1GP 2005-2009

Sadly, that's exactly right.

At its peak it was a great Series and I really enjoyed it, but now it has gone. Fact. I wish it were otherwise.

[Hawkwood]

I now regret not watching it last season, I wanted to see the Ferrari cars. Oh well, there's always next year............