A cross between Miami Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Las Vegas.

if that title doesn't have you a bit interested, i'm not really sure what will make you read this blog.

as i've said before, the company i work for sponsors a V8 Supercar in the series, so we have corporate events for customers several times a year.  one of those weekends was this past one, where we had about 20 customers fly into the Gold Coast and enjoy a weekend of fun activities and racing.

i arrived on friday evening, and very quickly knew that this was going to be an interesting weekend.  the Gold Coast 600 is a road-race that goes through the middle of a town that is similar to Miami Beach.  the views of the water were beautiful, and the people were...interesting.

saturday was a day of fun - go-karting, jet-boating, and a helicopter ride, followed by a great dinner.  sunday was all about pit tours and racing.

I came in first place of the losing group.

View of the Surfer's Paradise, Australia from a jet boat

Our Ride

View of Surfer's Paradise from the helicopter

so, what makes the Gold Coast a combination of Miami Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Las Vegas, you ask?  well, it all starts with the MTV Spring Break atmosphere.  add to that the fact that race fans from all over australia descend on the city.  add to that beer, beach, and great weather.  and you have a perfect combination for a trashy, sleezy weekend.  rumor has it that the area (particularly around the race weekend) is like Mardi Gras, in that there is a lot of half naked people running around.  it apparently came to a head when a couple of years ago an Australian Army helicopter was flying around holding a sign that said something to the effect of, "show us your boobs."  since then, the local government has been actively working to give it a more family friendly feel.  i will tell you that they still have some work to do.  just take my word for it.

all in all, i'm glad that i got to attend the event, BUT, i don't believe that we will go there for anything other than a work event.

the pit.  all of the cars had a tribute to Dan Wheldon and there
was a really touching tribute to him at the beginning of the race.
he was supposed to participate in the race this weekend.  RIP.