Teams and drivers braced for wild Finals opener
Rain set to feature on all three days of Gold Coast 500
Every Surfers Paradise race since 2019 has been dry
An evolving forecast has drivers and teams looking to the Gold Coast skies, ahead of what bodes to be a dramatic Finals opener.
The 2026 Repco Supercars Finals Series will commence at this weekend’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 in Surfers Paradise.
The traditional sunny skies are set to be replaced by clouds and rain across the October 23-25 weekend, which is set to put competitors to the test.
A Gold Coast Supercars race hasn’t featured rain since Sunday 2018 — and on that occasion, torrential conditions led to the abandonment of the race.
Plenty of rain is set to factor in across the weekend, which would make an already tense weekend even tougher, given the unknowns surrounding the Beach Chicane changes.
"It's gonna be a pretty testing weekend, with the weather and everything that's gonna play out,” championship leader Matt Payne told media on Monday.
“Hopefully we can get through, and head to Sandown, hopefully in the best spot in first, and try to have a clean weekend.”
At the time of publication, all three event days were forecast for 24 degrees and above. However, 3-30mm of rain is expected for Friday, followed by 0-15mm on Saturday, and 0-10mm on Sunday.
Friday will host a competitive qualifying session, adding to the jeopardy of the weekend.
“Probably have to fit the flippers to the cars by the looks of it. It's gonna be plenty of rain about,” Bathurst champion Brodie Kostecki joked.
Reigning Supercars champion Chaz Mostert added: “The concrete jungle here always puts a spectacle on for us. Even though we had such a good year last year, we're not sure what to expect.
"So add a bit of weather, and just how hard it is, and the quick turnaround…”
2015 Gold Coast winner and commentator James Courtney said: “The weather’s looking a bit patchy.
“As a driver, I would have been focused on the weather and thinking about strategy if it was raining and things like that.
“As a spectator and as a commentator, I want it to rain and make it more exciting, make those boys earn their money and entertain us."
Track action commences on Friday October 23. Drivers are set to tackle two practice sessions and qualifying on Friday, ahead of 250km races on Saturday and Sunday.
