More than twenty sports and entertainment events will make March's Indy Carnival the biggest week of fun the Gold Coast has seen.
Rodeos, balls, concerts, sailing and canoe regattas, air shows and much more will back-up the international racing program planned for March 16 to 19 on the Surfer's Paradise street course.
IndyCar Australia Chief Executive, Glen Jones, says that together on and off the track line- ups will make the Indy Carnival Australia's greatest racing festival.
The official Indy Carnival events are:
Peter Jackson Pro-Rodeo:
Carrara Stadium, Gold Coast - March 10th and 11th from 7pm to 10pm.
See the star of the show, Chainsaw, the eight hundred kilo bull voted Australian Bucking Bull of the Year eight years in a row. He's bucked over six hundred times and only eight bull riders have made qualified rides on him.
Some people describe Chainsaw as a reincarnated bull rider because he knows what they are thinking and how to get rid of them.
Indy Undy Ball:
Pacific Hotel, Southport, March 10th at 7pm
The ball for the young and the game! Last year more than two hundred people partied away in their underwear and more are expected this year! A ball highlight will be the crowning Miss and Mr Undy. Tickets are Au$5 at the hotel.
Kustom Kroozers Car Show:
Carrara Sports Ground, Saturday March 11th from 8am to 4pm
Featuring two hundred cars from almost every era - hot rods, custom cars, street machines, sports cars, classic vehicles, motor bikes and dragsters. A rare 1949 Hudson, once popular on the US racetracks, will be on display.
There'll also be a swapmeet and at the close of the show, the vehicles will take part in a giant police escorted street cruise through Surfer's Paradise.
Miller Genuine Draft IndyCar Classic rally:
March 11th to 16th:
More than eighty vehicles of all types from VWs to Porsche's leave Sydney's Darling Harbour on March 11th bound for the Gold Coast via Coffs Harbour and Toowoomba.
Drivers include Sale of the Century host Glenn Ridge and Targa Tasmania winner Andrew Miedecke.
Entrants are competing for the first prize of a trip for two to the 1995 Indianapolis 500.
Australian Concours d'Elegance:
Royal Pines Resort, March 12th from 9am to 4.30pm
A Au$2,000,000 1930 Duesberg once owned by a film star James Cagney will feature in this one day event to judge Australia's most elegant automobile.
Other cars include a 1925 Hispano Suiza H6b, a 1923 Vauxhall, a 1961 Lagonda Rapide and a 1962 Mercedes Benz 220 cabriolet.
Miss Indy Quest:
Grand Final. March 12th, Cavill Mall stage
Twenty eight finalists representing all the glamour and excitement of Indy, compete for more than Au$10,000 worth of prizes.
The quest has attracted entrants from as far as New Zealand and finalists spend a week leading up to the final attending various IndyCar promotions on the Gold Coast.
Art Exhibition - between Indy and the deep blue sea:
Gold Coast Arts Centre, March 14th to April 16th
A special exhibition by Brisbane painters Ian Smith and Sandy Herberte representing views and lifestyles of the Gold Coast. Some of the works will be for sale.
Indy Carnival no fear air show:
March 16th to 19th
Up to ten aircraft from the US Air National Guard will be joined by the Royal Australian Air Force, the Australian Army and Navy in a spectacular air show over the race track.
The aircraft includes F16 Fighters, F4 Phantoms, a Boeing Kc_135 tanker plane and Australia's own Air Force Roulettes.
John Farnham Concert:
March 18th, Parklands
John has agreed to return briefly from an extended holiday to perform exclusively with his band for Indy Carnival spectators. Major ticket holders will be admitted to the concert free. The concert on Saturday night followed by the IndyCar race on Sunday will be the climax of the whole Indy Carnival event.
Inflatable Boat Challenge:
Main Beach, March 18th to 19th
More than twenty inflatable powerboats each capable of speeds up to 100kph will compete in the exciting sport of Powerduck racing. The boats are inflatable "rubber duckies" with a weight of only 75kg, a two man crew and fifty horsepower outboard engines.
Nightly Mardis Gras:
Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise, March 16th, Gold Coast Arts Centre.
Every night treated as New Year's Eve.
The streets will be filled with dance troupes, buskers, face painters, carnival style games and roving entertainers.
In between a disc jockey will play music through a P.A. system and each night will carry a different theme with restaurant staff dressed in costume.
South Pacific Song Contest:
Grand Final March 16th, Gold Coast Arts Centre.
After sifting through hundreds of entries from all over the world, judges will hear twelve finalists all competing for over Au$12,000 worth of prizes.
The finale will feature live performances by finalists as well as other leading professional entertainers.
Entries have been submitted in seven categories from rock to gospel.
Indy Carnival Bank of Queensland Gala Ball:
Conrad Jupiters, March 15th at 7pm
More than eight hundred people will enjoy a four course meal in the company of IndyCar drivers and other racing officials.
Entertainment will be provided by the John Farnham Band and singers Lisa Edwards and Venetta Fields and acclaimed guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel.
Tickets are Au$150 each from the Conrad Box office.
Chequered Flag Ball:
Albert Waterways, Broadbeach, March 18th at 7pm
Plenty of high octane spirits will be flowing at the Chequered Flag Ball which will carry a Stackhatters theme this year. Any headgear will do and those turning up without hats will be fined Au$5 with proceedings going to the Leukemia Foundation. Tickets are at Au$5 each available at the venue or from Tiki Village.
Pro Beach Volleyball Series:
Surfer's Paradise Beach, March 18th at 8am
Queensland's glorious weather together with the atmosphere of Indy Carnival will play host to Round 3 of the 10 event pro-beach volleyball series.
Top level competitors will travel from all over Australia and the US to battle on the beach for the Super Series title. The finals will be held on the beach under lights in the early evening.
Outrigger Canoe Race:
Nerang River, in front of Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort, March 12th at 10.30am
See up to six people per canoe battle it out in a series of races for various prizes. Each race is staged over 150 metres and admission is free.
Carnival of fashion:
Marriott Surfer Paradise Resort, March 16th
Stores from the Australia Fair Complex have put together a parade of Indy inspired fashion which will be modelled at the Marriott's Lobby Lounge.
Proceeds from the day will be forwarded to the Brain Injury Foundation.
Tickets available at Marriott or Australia Fair.
Indy Carnival Calcutta and prestige number plates auction:
Conrad Jupiters, March 17th at 7pm
IndyCar fans have the chance of buying a set of 100 limited edition IndyCar Australia number plates which carry the letters ICA as well as the official IndyCar logo.
plates 11 to 94 are for sale to the general public at Au$600 per set while plates 00 to 10 and 95 to 99 will be auctioned.
Rotary Motorsport Dinner:
Tuesday March 14th Seaworld at 7pm
Organised by the Rotary Club of Surfers Paradise and open to the public. Night will be based on an IndyCar theme and will include various racing personalities. A four course dinner is included and IndyCar videos will be screened during the night.
Tickets are Au$60 each and available from club president Ian Mayberry on (075) 93 4322.
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