Queensland Sport Minister, Phil Reeves joined with V8 Supercars Chairman, Tony Cochrane and a number of drivers at the Armor All Gold Coast 600 today to unveil a trophy dedicated to the memory of fallen IndyCar star, Dan Wheldon. The Dan Wheldon Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the winning International driver this weekend.

Wheldon – who competed in the only IndyCar event on the Gold Coast in 2008 – was universally loved in world motorsport. He was due to partner good friend James Courtney in the Toll Holden Racing Team Commodore this weekend.

“This is a fitting way to honour the life of Dan Wheldon and what he represented to so many international drivers and those in the V8 motorsport community,” Mr. Reeves said.

“The sudden death of Dan shocked the motor racing community.”

Reeves went on to say that this weekend’s event is shaping up as one of the best in the event’s 21 years.

“Despite what’s happened, the stage is set for a terrific three days of racing and off the track entertainment.

“This year America’s Speed TV network will make the event available to its 84 million subscribers.”

V8 Supercars Chairman, Tony Cochrane was another to pay tribute to Wheldon and promised that “the party would continue just as Dan would have wanted.”

“Dan was a much loved member of the motorsport community worldwide and a super talented young man,” Cochrane said.

“He was well known to many of our drivers and a fan of the V8 Supercar Championship. The Dan Wheldon Memorial Trophy is an integral part of this weekend’s event and a great way for his many friends in Australia to remember him.”

Cochrane said the Gold Coast event – which will welcome its’ five millionth spectator this weekend – will carry on it’s tradition despite the tragedy.

“Anyone that knew Dan knew he was the life of the party, so that’s exactly what we’re doing this weekend – we’ll honour him in the best way possible by putting on the best event and make sure that everyone really enjoys themselves,” he said.

“We’ve got many of the world’s best drivers here this weekend – from Formula 1, NASCAR, Le Mans and of course IndyCar all joining our V8 Supercars heroes. It’s going to be one amazing weekend.”

The 28 International drivers will compete for the Dan Wheldon Memorial Trophy during this weekend’s Armor All Gold Coast 600.

The international drivers will each race in two 300km races around the iconic 2.96km Surfers Paradise Beachside circuit.

Tickets to the Armor All Gold Coast 600 are available via ticketek.com, phone 132 849 or at the gate.

WHAT IS THE ARMOR ALL GOLD COAST 600?

The Armor All Gold Coast 600 is South East Queensland’s biggest annual event and represents the third endurance race on the V8 Supercars calendar. Fresh from the Supercheap Auto 1000 at Bathurst, the 28 V8 Supercars drivers are partnered with an international star. Racers from Formula 1, IndyCar, Sports Car, Touring Car and NASCAR will be on hand in 2011 for the event –October 21-23. The V8 Supercars will be supported by Porsche Carrera Cup, the V8 Utes, Touring Car Masters and Formula Ford.

WHAT IS 600 SOUNDS, PRESENTED BY SEA FM?

600 Sounds is the nightly concert component of the Armor All Gold Coast 600 Rock ‘N’ Race format. In 2011, Aussie HipHop stars Bliss N Eso lead the charge on Friday night – presented by Sea FM, whilst legendary Scottish rockers, Simple Minds will make the only Australian appearance of their world tour on Saturday night – and are proudly presented by Gold FM. The Friday night concert also includes The Potbelleez, Drapht, Illy and Bag Raiders, whilst Simple Minds will be ably backed up by Eskimo Joe, the Hoodoo Gurus and Masters Apprentices.
Once you’ve raced all day, rock all night with your Armor All Gold Coast 600 ticket.