The first-ever Repco Supercars Championship Finals Series roared to life today as the top ten title contenders gathered beneath the iconic Surfers Paradise sign to officially launch the 2025 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.
In front of fans and media, the ten finalists – Broc Feeney, Repco Bathurst 1000 winner Matthew Payne, defending Supercars Champion Will Brown, Cam Waters, Brodie Kostecki, Chaz Mostert, Anton De Pasquale, Thomas Randle, Ryan Wood, and rookie Kai Allen – united for a historic photo opportunity before reigniting their Championship battle on the streets of Surfers Paradise this weekend.
Championship leader Broc Feeney enters the weekend with momentum, but the other 23 drivers in the field are determined to spoil the party at one of the most iconic events on the calendar, including the 14 that are now out of Championship contention.
With two 250km races ahead, the stakes are high: any driver from the top ten who wins on Saturday or Sunday will secure their place in the final seven who will continue their Championship campaign at the Sandown semi-final next month.
Queensland Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell said the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 puts the state in the national spotlight.
“Not only does the event attract visitors from far and wide, but it also broadcasts the Gold Coast to the millions of Aussies tuning in at home,” he said.
“Almost 200,000 people are expected to attend and patron local businesses across the Gold Coast during the three-day event, generating an economic benefit of about $55 million.
“Attracting and hosting large-scale international sporting events in an important part of our plan to make Queensland the events capital of Australia.”
Acting Gold Coast Mayor Hammel added: “We can’t wait to see the new high octane, adrenaline pumping Finals series format launched right here on our renowned Gold Coast racetrack.
“With so much on the line for the drivers vying for the Repco Supercars title, we are in for a weekend of high stakes, high speed and high-quality entertainment.
“Not only does this event attract tens of thousands of visitors to the Gold Coast, it also showcases our city to millions of race fans globally.”
Finalist driver Thomas Randle said: “It’s amazing. The turnout’s always great and it’s such an awesome track.
“It’s a track that’s so easy access here with the tram and the light rail, and being right in the heart of town it’s such an awesome place to race.
“It’s got so much history with IndyCar that raced here, many years and it’s pretty amazing to think as drivers that we still get to race here.
“I think something that we all take for granted is the logistical challenge to put a street circuit literally in the heart of Surfers Paradise.
“So for the three days that we race here, it’s an awesome turnout, not only from the locals but the interstate that come in, or even people that come from overseas, mostly New Zealand…which is a shame because all those bloody Kiwi drivers are pretty quick out there.”
The action begins tomorrow as transporters roll through Main Beach’s famous Tedder Avenue into pit lane at 9:30am and 12:30pm, with fans encouraged to line the streets and cheer on their favourite teams.
On Thursday afternoon, all 24 drivers will return to the Surfers Paradise sign for the famous Sunset Signing Session from 5:00pm – 6:00pm.
Practice kicks off Friday morning, before the first-ever Repco Finals Series races thunder through the Surfers Paradise concrete canyon on Saturday and Sunday.