New Beauty to Become Miss V8 Supercars

Miss V8 Supercars 2013 Casey Boonstra will pass on her crown at the ARMOR ALL Gold Coast 600 this weekend.

Boonstra will assist with the judging of a new crop of models vying for the Miss V8 Supercars title – all who have made it through various heats to appear in front of the large Queensland crowd at the Jim Beam Sand Jam powered by Sea FM on Saturday night.

Now the Gold Coast street race has become a calendar staple, the former Miss Indy title has been reinvented to represent Australia’s premier motor racing category, as Miss V8 Supercars.

And, Boonstra says, there’s much more to the honour than looking pretty.

It has opened doors for the 20-year old – she didn’t have a modeling career before entering the competition last year – and has gotten to be part of various high profile events, as well as flying overseas to Austin, Texas.

“People look at grid girls and think they’re walking around looking pretty – but it’s more than that,” Boonstra said. 

“You do get to meet a lot of very interesting people, which is amazing. And you make friends too.”

Across two days as part of the ARMOR ALL Gold Coast 600, the 24 finalists will be put through their paces with swimwear, sportswear and interview portions of the competition.

And while it is not essential to be a motor racing fan to win the crown, it is one of the things that will make a positive impression on Boonstra. She was not a follower of the category when she was awarded the win – in fact, she entered because of a dare – but in time has learnt about and loved motorsport.

“I think that’s very important,” she said. “I do think it’s something the girls need to have, a bit of an interest, so they know what they’re talking about and know what they’re getting themselves into.”

What else will she be looking for?

“Someone who’s well spoken and holds herself nicely. Someone who will be a good role model for other girls as well. Natural and friendly, bubbly and outgoing – we want someone the other girls will look up to.”

This year the winner will receive a $20,000 prize pool, including a trip to the United States to attend the 2014 MotoGP race at Circuit of the Americas, with two return economy tickets and accommodation included; and a photo shoot with V8 Action Illustrated magazine.

Who will reign supreme in this year’s battle of the beauties?

Be at the Jim Beam Sand Jam powered by Sea FM on Saturday night at 6pm for the announcement – after the girls have strutted their stuff at the Watermark Resort and Spa Surfers Paradise on Friday – for another reason to head to the ARMOR ALL Gold Coast 600 this weekend. 

Tickets are available now –  those with pre-purchased tickets can travel for free to and from the event with TransLink. 

Click here for the Grid Girls photo gallery from the 2013 V8 Supercars season.