Gold Coast Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News. Business operators in and around the GC500 precinct say locals are making a comeback.
Formally known as the week locals fled the Main Beach and Surfers Paradise street track, founder of Cross Promotions Billy Cross, Hot Shott cafe co-owner Jenna Finch and one of Queensland’s top restaurateurs Simon Gloftis all said locals have resurfaced trackside. Mr Cross, behind the GC500’s concert after-parties, said there were more locals “than ever” were attending the Supercars precinct. “I feel like the whole city is getting behind it now,” he said.
“It’s a real great event for the Gold Coast and locals are really embracing it.” Crowds enjoying the 2024 Gold Coast 500. Picture: Glenn Campbell Mr Cross said Supercars CEO Shane Howard had built the Gold Coast stop into a fusion of sport and entertainment – making it more than just a car race.
“This year especially, it’s gone to another level,” Mr Cross said. “It just keeps getting better with the CEO Shane Howard running everything – he knows the sport, he knows the entertainment industry, he merges it all together and creates an amazing event for the Gold Coast.” Entertainment acts across the weekend included Peking Duk, Bag Raiders, Jet and Spiderbait.
Mr Cross said with heritage acts, it elevated the event into a festival atmosphere. In Hot Shott’s eight year history on Tedder Avenue, Ms Finch she.