Better deal for fans and drivers at GMC 400
13/2/2001 13:45 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
GMC 400 organisers promised a better deal for fans and drivers alike at this morning’s launch of Canberra’s 2001 V8 Supercar spectacular.
Mark Skaife talks up Canberra's V8 Supercar event
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The V8s return to the streets of the nation’s capital on the June long weekend, and, according to ACT Urban Services Minister Brendan Smyth, this year’s event will be bigger and better.
“New ideas from organisers, spectators and drivers have been picked up for this year’s event, so that the GMC 400 will be even better,” Smyth said.
Canberra’s claustrophobic concrete cannon will be widened and resurfaced in many parts – Flynn Drive most notably – to increase passing opportunities. Turns twelve, ten and the impenetrable turn one will be modified for the 2001 event, improving visibility and traffic flow for the packed grid of Supercars expected.
Greater spectator access around the circuit complex (including moving the Flynn Drive pedestrian bridge to Kaye Street and the merchandising precinct to the western side of Commonwealth Avenue), and more, better-positioned grandstands are aspects GMC 400 organisers have worked hard to improve.
Added Smyth, “Locations of food, beverage and merchandise outlets will be more convenient and the layout will improve spectator access to the circuit and some great vantage points.”
“Corporate facilities have been expanded and there’s a better choice of grandstands than last year,” he said.
The fastest 15 from Friday’s qualifying session hit the track for their one-lap shootout to determine the grid for that afternoon’s first race. The grid will be inverted for Sunday morning’s second 25-lap sprint, before the final 200km showdown on Sunday afternoon. Compulsory pit stops are a feature of all three races.
The GT Production Car Championship, Nation’s Cup and Formula Holden will ably support the event, part of an expanded program that includes stunt shows, air displays, fireworks and rock concerts.
The revamped GMC 400 Web Site (www.gmc400.com.au) was also launched today.
Canberra’s three-day Supercar carnival is the fifth round of the Shell Championship Series; scheduled for June 8-10.
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