The skies were blue, breeze gentle and not a cloud in the sky. The street circuit is set in between urban high rises overlooking the track and beach, and in a parklands setting. It’s a nice sight on the footpaths behind Pit Lane, with mature trees and palms, grassy areas, and all kinds of water features – river, ponds, brooks, streams, and waterfalls. There are a variety of birds including screaming peacocks. Bridges of various kind are found which make portions resemble a Japanese tea garden. All in all a nice setting.
Usually the walk to the Media Center every morning is quite relaxing and beautiful. It goes from the bus stop at the Marriott Hotel on the outside of the track through the foot path under the course, through a tunnel and winding behind pit lane. However, with the full moon Friday night, the high tide covered the tunnel foot path and alternative routes had to be used.
The start for the two races is what is called a Staggered Standing Start. This feature is unique to the Surfer’s event. The Stewards likened it to a Formula One start. Instead of starting rows of two, there will be one car in each row, on opposite side of the track than the car ahead and behind.
After qualifying on Saturday there will be a Top Ten Shootout. The top ten V8 qualifying drivers will have a one-time lap qualifying run, which will determine the order for the top ten starters. It’s something like NASCAR qualifying, one car at a time. Some drivers like this, but not all.
For Sunday’s race another qualifying session is held that morning, which will determine the Sunday starting order. No Shootout on Sunday.
The V8 Supercars have been racing at Surfers Paradise since 1994, but as exhibition races like at the Australian Grand Prix Formula One race every spring in Melbourne. However, since 2002, they became part of the points championship.
By the time came for V8 qualifying, some clouds had moved in.