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Drivers braced for 'physically demanding' 250km races

27 Oct 2022
Dual 85-lap races will offer drivers a big challenge
2 mins by James Pavey

“Physically demanding” 250km races in the heat await Supercars drivers on the Gold Coast.

The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 will be headlined by dual 85-lap single-driver races.

The new format replaces the 300km two-driver enduro, where drivers could only complete a maximum 68 laps.

The Surfers Paradise Street Circuit is as complex as they come, considering its large kerbs, chicanes, minimal run-off areas and close concrete walls.

Drivers won’t have time for a breather, with drivers almost entirely turning on the 2.96km circuit.

"The track is always very tricky to get right,” Mark Winterbottom, who won in 2009 and 2011, said.

"It’s a big-commitment track, one that rewards that big lap.

"When you get it right it’s when your mirror nicks the wall and when you get it wrong it’s when your door caves in.

“It’s millimetre perfect but it’s always a tough place.

“Our race length is quite long. 85 laps, one driver, it’s going to be qualifying and then surviving the two parts to the weekend.”

Winterbottom’s Team 18 teammate Scott Pye expects a high attrition rate, which is in line with previous Surfers races.

No Gold Coast Supercars race, whether it be championship or non-championship, has ever had a 100 per cent finishing rate.

“GC 500 is going to be a challenging race, 250 kilometres both days,” Pye said.

"I’m sure there will be a high attrition rate.

"It’s going to be physically demanding of the drivers and having to back it up on Sunday is what makes this sport so unique.”

Drivers will also be forced to keep an eye on their tyres, with Dunlop’s Soft compound the tyre of choice this weekend.

Walkinshaw Andretti United star Chaz Mostert won in 2017 and 2018, but had a co-driver to negate the first 30-odd laps.

This time, Mostert and his 24 rivals will have to survive 85 laps, and back it up 24 hours later.

Driver fatigue will play a major role, with hot conditions forecast across the weekend.

“Will definitely be a little different this weekend without a co-driver,” Mostert said.

“I’m looking forward to two longer races over the weekend, with fuel strategy thrown in to mix things up from a solo perspective.

“Looks like its going to be a hot one."

WAU teammate Nick Percat added: “It takes full commitment around here.

“Rewards risk, so it’s always a heap of fun to drive."

Cars will hit the track on Friday for dual 30-minute practice sessions.

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