Drivers kick-off the final countdown to Gold Coast 500

This weekend’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 has been launched in fitting style by Repco Supercars Championship drivers, with a visit to one of the Goldy’s most iconic beaches.

Anton De Pasquale, Todd Hazelwood, Andre Heimgartner, and Jack Smith took to The Spit at Main Beach on Monday.

Just four days out from Supercars’ biggest party returning to the streets of Surfers Paradise, the four drivers spent time beachside, posing for photos and meeting with locals.

The Surfers streets will host Supercars for the first time since 2019, featuring dual 250km races. Tickets are on sale now.

Gold Coast local Smith, who recorded his 100th race start in New Zealand last month, will make his maiden solo Repco Supercars Championship Round start in Surfers Paradise.

“It's exciting to be able to roll out of bed and go racing,” Smith said.

“We live just across the road from the track, so I can walk to the circuit and stay relaxed and calm across the weekend.

“It’s cool as we don't often get to experience seeing the track being built as well.

“Usually when we turn up at events, you are there for three or four days and then leave, but to see the whole process of the track being built and coming to life is different and really cool.”

The Southport School product has tasted success at his home track before, winning dual V8 Touring Car races at Surfers Paradise in 2018.

Fittingly, the 2017 Super3 Champion made his co-driving debut when Supercars last visited the street circuit in 2019.

Now in his own #4 SCT Logistics Commodore, Smith is looking forward to putting on a show for hometown fans.

“I've got some friends coming and the family will be there as always,” he said.

“It’s going to be really cool to have some more people that you don't usually see at the track, helping and supporting, but my approach to this weekend is the same as other race weekends.

“The track is different and unique to others on the calendar and the curbs are pretty fast, exciting, and quite technical.

“As far as tackling concrete barriers, you know they are there, but you treat it just the same as any other track.”

The event will see some of Australia’s hottest DJs and international stars take to the Club 500 stage on Macintosh Island on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening of October’s event, headlined by Bliss N Eso, Carl Cox & Eric Powell’s Mobile Disco and Sneaky Sound System.

Entertainment is included in your same day event ticket.

The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 will be held 28-30 October and broadcast live on Fox Sports and the Seven Network.

Tickets are now available through Supercars.com and Ticketek.

Cars will hit the track for Practice 1 at 12:35pm local time/1:35pm AEDT on Friday.