Before the weekend’s intense racing at the Castrol EDGE Gold Coast 600, a number of V8 Supercars drivers were challenged to a contest of a different kind.
Facing off against the Miss V8 Supercars finalists, the drivers enjoyed a friendly game of beach volleyball before getting their game faces on for the final round of the Pirtek Enduro Cup.
Tim Slade, Scott McLaughlin, Lee Holdsworth, David Reynolds, Fabian Coulthard, James Courtney – who played umpire – and Bathurst winner Chaz Mostert hit Surfers Paradise beach this afternoon to test out their volleyball skills in a girls versus boys showdown.
Holden Racing Team’s Courtney described the afternoon as a fitting start to what is always a glamorous and fun event.
“This is definitely what the Gold Coast 600 is all about – sun, the surf, great atmosphere, everyone’s having a great time here on the beach,” Courtney said.
“We get a bit serious later in the week with some good action on the track – we normally produce really good racing here, so it’s definitely one of our favourites.”
While both of last year’s Gold Coast races were challenging for Courtney and co-driver Greg Murphy, the HRT driver was confident of pushing for the win this time around.
“I’ve been leading twice here and had things go wrong – a black flag once, and last year had a car failure with a few laps to go.
“So it’s been good to us, a lot of podiums, but also it can be pretty cruel this place. We’re looking to rectify that this year with getting a win here and especially off the results we’ve had as a team of late. Can’t wait to get out.”
Both the treacherous nature of the circuit – sometimes referred to as the concrete canyon – and the conditions push drivers to their limits.
“I think that’s why it’s one of the most successful races for us, great fun to race and drive around here, but the other side of that, it can bite you really hard,” Courtney explained.
“There’s no run off at all, it’s a really hot race – we do two 300km races here, one Saturday one Sunday, so to back it up on Sunday is pretty tricky.
“The guys are normally pretty fatigued Sunday afternoon so that’s when the action happens.”
The #22 driver believed there was more excitement than ever for the event, which kicks off on Friday October 24.
“It is a different vibe coming in this year, everyone seems to be a lot more pumped up, ready to go a lot more of a party theme – so I think they’re kicking some goals and it’s going to be a cracking event,” Courtney said.
“I can’t wait to get out there. It’s going to be a bit of a challenge the night after the race – turn left and go into town or turn left and go home?
“We’re going to have to leave the action for us until Sunday, but I’m sure everyone will have a good time!”
Courtney and Murphy currently sit third in the race for the Pirtek Enduro Cup, with a 114-point deficit to leaders Jamie Whincup and Paul Dumbrell.
