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The Queensland Government is confident it will be able to bring back IndyCar racing to the Gold Coast following what has been a 10-year hiatus, after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced today she is "accelerating talks" with series organisers in the US.
The Premier has invited Indy CEO Mark Miles to come to Queensland and deal directly with the government to bring the event back the glamour and glitz to the state's tourism capital.
"As Premier I am opening discussions between Indy and Queensland about the prospect of launching an Indy on the Gold Coast in 2020," Premier Palaszczuk said.
"It's early days but it would be wonderful if we can get this signature event back in Australia and I'd love to hear what the Gold Coast thinks about it."
The race was a staple on the Gold Coast calendar from 1991 to 2008, when the merger of Indy Racing League (IRL) and Champ Car World Series coincided with negotiations falling apart between the Queensland Government and the IRL.
The last event taking place as a demonstration race in Surfers Paradise, putting an end to nearly two decades the series on the Gold Coast.
The Premier has also instigated talks with Queensland-born Indy champion Will Power, Australia's first Indy 500 winner, who is determined to bring the race back to his home state.
"I've won on pretty much every single track I've raced on in Indy car and the Gold Coast is the only one I never got to win," Power said.
"It would be absolutely unbelievable if it came back."
Indy is raced entirely in northern America and Canada but is looking to expand. It is believed organisers are eager to find an international location, and the Premier and Power believe the Gold Coast is perfect.
Indy would build on the government's commitment to major events on the Gold Coast including the Commonwealth Games and the Logies.
"I remember going to Indy and enjoying its family atmosphere," the Premier said.
"Let's hear what the Gold Coast has to say about bringing this huge event back."
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