Nikon Super GP 2009

It was a disaster! Not only for the Gold Coast City Council and the events team, but for most people including local businesses, hotels, and transport (that is us as cabbies). What actually was the problem?

Well, it all started long back about a year ago when the Indy Racing League (IRL) and Champ Car World Series merged in February 2008 resulting the drop of the Indy 2009 Series from the calender. So, the Nikon Indy 2008 was the last to be held in the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit. As the news broke in the media, the Gold Coast Mayor quickly came out with a plan for next years event. He actually took an immediate flight to London and discuss with the Director of the A1GP to organize the A1 race in 2009, replacing the Nikon Indy 300.

And so the plan went on, same track, same events layout, new sponsors and everyone around Gold Coast prepared for the same crowd for 2009's event. But we are dead wrong! 5 days before the race starts, the A1 organizers announced that they would not be able to come on financial reason, as the they have to pay a sum of money to the insurance company in order to ship the A1 cars from London to Gold Coast. So, the cars are locked in London while they only have 5 days before the event.

But the event still goes on. With what race? V8's!!! Full 4 day, full with V8's! It's more like a V8 carnival rather than a race to me. The crowd and businesses are so much different from we expect. So dull, and the main streets are not so busy as last year. Disappointment can be seen from each and every one who prepared their best for the best event of the year. Even we as cabbies are really disappointed with what happen. To be exact, the Gold Coast City Council and the event team spent $12million for the event preparation. But what else can we say. Sh*t happens...

p.s.: Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh still suggested some other race to be held in the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit next year. That is absolutely ridiculous...