The Gold Coast is a step closer to the 2008 Nikon Indy 300 today; after the first step in construction for the street circuit was completed ahead of the October 23-26 Event with the positioning of the first pedestrian bridge near Tedder Avenue.

Nikon Indy 300 Event Director David Bennett was joined on the Gold Coast Highway this morning by reigning Bartercard Miss Indy Kate Hockly in celebration of this milestone.

Bennett said a focus this year had been on accommodating the changing needs of the newly merged IndyCar Series, while also providing an extra feature for the Event’s fans.

“We are continually looking for ways to improve our motorsport precinct design to keep its working as efficiently as possible, and that process has continued this year,” said Bennett.

“With 24 cars coming here from the IndyCar Series, nine more than we have had in recent years, that has required some changes such as more pit bays and team sheds for instance, so that has been a challenge for the design.

“We are now happy with how we have been able to accommodate the series; however the racers aren’t the only ones for who changes have been made.

“The spectators certainly haven’t been forgotten with a new addition to the precinct for them – the XXXX GOLD Retreat will feature on drivers’ right at the exit from Turn Two.

“The Retreat has been a big hit with fans at V8 Supercar rounds across the country so far this year, so everyone here at the Nikon Indy 300 is very excited about giving our spectators the chance to get on board.”

Over the next two months leading into the Nikon Indy 300, the construction schedule will include:

• 2515 concrete barriers (10km) weighing 4 tonne each
• 11,500 grandstand seats
• 10km debris fencing
• 16km security fencing
• 9 pedestrian bridges
• 4 over-track signs
• 7 big screens
• 500 televisions
• 160 corporate suites
• 190 temporary sheds, containers & reefers
• 6000 man hours of electrical reticulation
• 100km of cabling
• 500 tonnes of steel for Pit Buildings
• 1 International Standard Temporary Outside Broadcast Compound
• 700 trackside marshals (fire marshals, trackside, flag, communications, spectator, etc.)
• 900 officials (gates, grandstands, corporate suites, info booths, accreditation centre, media centre, etc.)
• 6000 Permanent residents inside track precinct

The Nikon Indy 300 street circuit is an international leader in motor racing safety standards.

Bennett said the Gold Coast circuit has been acclaimed internationally and is used as a benchmark for new temporary street circuits world-wide.

“It is a significant achievement to convert a thriving and bustling commercial and recreational district into a motor racing circuit, able to facilitate more than 300,000 people and high-speed motor racing action," said Bennett.

“This major undertaking involves cooperation and support from State Government, Gold Coast City Council, other State and Local Authorities, hundreds of contractors, residents and commuters.

“It is a very slick operation with minimal disruptions to Gold Coast residents and commuters. Some disturbance is unavoidable but we are always striving to keep this to a minimum.”

Gold Coast based engineering company Hyder Consulting has overseen the extensive building procedure since the first Event in 1991, annually reviewing, modifying and improving the plans to position the Nikon Indy 300 as a world-leading circuit.

To facilitate the construction of the circuit, a traffic initiative introduced in 1999 will continue this year in an effort to reduce traffic delays.

Two traffic lanes will remain open on the Gold Coast Highway at all times with the speed limit on the southbound side reduced from 70km/h to 50km/h during the construction process. At some periods this is again reduced to 40km/h in specific zones which are sign posted. For more information please contact the Nikon Indy 300 on 07 5588 6800 or visit www.indy.com.au

Tickets are now on sale for the Nikon Indy 300 with ticket options to suit everyone's needs. Four day Grandstand passes are available for those who prefer to watch the racing from the comfort of their own reserved seat or for those who prefer to wander around and soak up the atmosphere then a four day, weekend or single day General Admission pass might be more their style. For more information on ticket options click here For information on Corporate Hospitality packages please call the Nikon Indy 300 Sales Team on (07) 5588 6800.

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