TICKFORD RACING: GOLD COAST 500
Tickford Racing heads to the Gold Coast 500 from October 25-27, ready to take on the challenges of the iconic Gold Coast Street Circuit in Surfers Paradise, Queensland. This high-profile event will see our drivers tackle two 250km races, each spanning 85 laps on one of the toughest circuits in the calendar. The team has been preparing hard for the weekend, focusing on setup and strategy to ensure we’re ready for the unique demands of this street circuit.
KEY SESSIONS
Race 21 on Saturday 26th at 15:15 AEST
Race 22 on Sunday 27th at 14:15 AEST
TRACK OVERVIEW
The 2.96 km Gold Coast Street Circuit in Surfers Paradise, presents a tough test for both drivers and teams. Running anti-clockwise through the city streets, the track consists of 15 tight, technical turns and fast straights, requiring precision and control throughout. Originally introduced in 1991, the circuit’s narrow layout is lined with concrete barriers, leaving minimal room for error. The bumpy surface only adds to the challenge, making car setup critical for handling the high-speed sections and heavy braking zones.
With top speeds reaching up to 265 km/h and the hot, humid conditions typical of the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast 500 is as much a test of endurance as it is of performance. Tickford Racing is focused on overcoming these challenges and maintaining the momentum from recent rounds, with high hopes for a strong showing this weekend.
MAIN GAME TEAM INSIGHTS
After a challenging outing at Bathurst, where the team felt we didn’t fully capitalise on our potential, Tickford Racing heads into the Gold Coast 500 with a renewed sense of determination. The setback has only fuelled our desire to return to winning ways, and this event provides the perfect stage to showcase the improvements we’ve been working on. Our performance at this circuit in 2023 remains a highlight—Cam Waters secured pole position and the race win, with another podium finish on the Sunday, proving that our cars thrive on the fast, technical streets of Surfers Paradise.
The atmosphere in the garage is focused yet optimistic. Everyone, from the drivers to the engineering team, knows we’ve got the package to perform well here, and there’s a sense of unfinished business following Bathurst. The Gold Coast Street Circuit presents its own set of challenges—tight corners, high-speed straights, and unforgiving barriers—but we’ve had success here before, and that adds a level of confidence going into the weekend.
With the typically hot and humid conditions expected to test both man and machine, our preparation has been geared towards ensuring the cars can handle the unique demands of this track. The team is eager to get back on track and build momentum, knowing that every detail will count. We’re ready to get stuck in, aiming to be right in the mix for podium finishes and, ultimately, take home another win.
TOYOTA 86 SERIES
As the Toyota 86 Series concludes its 2024 season at the Gold Coast 500, driver Charlie Nash is eager to finish strong. Currently sitting ?th in the championship standings, Charlie aims to wrap up his
season on a high note during this final round. Reflecting on his recent experiences at Bathurst, he understands the importance of adapting to each track's unique challenges. The Gold Coast circuit, with its tight corners and high-speed sections, presents an exciting opportunity for him to showcase his growth throughout the year.
In preparation for this weekend, Charlie has been dedicating time to simulation work alongside Thomas, focusing on refining his skills in the rear-wheel-drive Toyota 86. He emphasises the significance of balancing speed with control, particularly on a street circuit where the narrow layout can be unforgiving. The weekend will feature a qualifying session followed by three races, and Charlie is determined to capitalise on every opportunity to secure valuable points in the championship standings.
