For the first time since 2019, we’re headed back to the streets of Surfers Paradise for the Gold Coast 500, one of the biggest events on the calendar.
It's the penultimate round of the 2022 season, and one that is a must watch at all times.
Format
We are doing it a little differently than the past, as this weekend will be a solo driver event, unlike the enduros of the past.
That means Chaz and Nick will face a 250km race on Saturday, and the same on Sunday.
Practice starts on Friday, with two sessions that day. Both Saturday and Sunday begin with a 20-minute qualifying session, followed by a Top-10 Shootout, and then the 85-lap race.
The Track
The streets of the Gold Coast are a 2.96km concrete canyon.
Any major mistake usually results in a car hitting the concrete wall. It’s full commitment, and that’s why we love it.
You have to be aggressive into the chicane along the back straight, and the last corner provides a great opportunity to fire it down the inside; keep an eye out for a few moves to be made there over the weekend.
Tyres
We are on the Dunlop Soft Tyre this weekend, so tyre life late in the race will be a big factor.
Pitstops
With a 250km race comes two compulsory fuel stops throughout. How much fuel you take, and when, will be the big question.
How to Watch
Get ready for a big weekend on the couch If you can’t make it to the track.
Fox Sports will cover every session live, while Channel 7 have you sorted Saturday and Sunday.
For the full TV guide, please CLICK HERE.
Weather
It looks like the sun will be shining all weekend! The Gold Coast was inundated with rain last week, but it looks to have come good for our arrival.
Chaz Mostert
“It’s so good to be back at home racing, we’ve definitely missed this place. It’s always such a good event up here, we’ve really missed it on the calendar.
“Will definitely be a little different this weekend without a co-driver, but I’m looking forward to two longer races over the weekend, with fuel strategy thrown in to mix things up from a solo perspective.
“Looks like its going to be a hot one, but can’t wait to get back out there.”
Nick Percat
“It’s awesome to be back on the Gold Coast to race, been far too long.
“Bathurst was pretty gut wrenching for the team to have something like that happen, so really keen to bounce back this weekend.
“It takes full commitment around here, rewards risk, so it’s always a heap of fun to drive.
“Weather looks awesome as well so can’t wait for a massive weekend.”