I have to commend the organising staff of the Nikon Indy 300. I see a lot of event schedules for IRL and other race events and this group has pulled together one of the most comprehensive event lists. Not only is the list complete, they have any businesses and sponsors participating to make certain the schedule is full. Kudos to everyone involved. Truly you are making an economic impact in the region and proving why you need to be a permanent line item on the schedule.

We have had a number of developments around the 2008 Nikon Indy 300, so let’s get started.

Driver Attendance
As mentioned in a prior post Dario Franchitti will be driving in Australia. Alex Tagliani has a new ride with Conquest Racing and will be added to the field. Unfortunately it looks like Helio Castroneves will not be at this year’s event because he has been charged with tax evasion / tax fraud and subsequently has had his passport pulled. Hopefully he can rectify something in time for the last race of the year. Castroneves talks with the media in this clip posted by TMZ.

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UPDATE (OCT. 14, 2008):
Gold Coast Publications posted today that a US federal court has amended Helio Castroneves’ bail conditions to allow him to race at the Gold Coast Nikon Indy 300. Although there were arguements against the modification, US Judge William Turnoff stated, “the dumbest thing Mr Castroneves could do’ would be to flee to his native Brazil and not show up for court, given his lucrative racing and endorsement career based in the US.”

Good Point and this is awesome news for the event and local organizers.

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New “Uniforms” For Miss Indy
We have finally rid ourselves of the awful outfits of CART girls past. This is a refreshing (and hot!) change. Brydii of Brisbane posted on thecouriermail.com, “Very tastefully designed!! :) What a refreshing change!”

Let us know your thoughts on the new look below!

Credit: Adam Head / Reuters

Upcoming Miss Indy Competitions
Miss Indy Swimwear Judging
Date: Wednesday, October 22 (7:30pm)
Venue: Conrad Jupiters

Miss Indy Sportswear Judging
Date: Thursday, October 23 (7:30-10:30)
Venue: Cocktails and Dreams Nightclub

Miss Indy Crowning at Gala
Date: Friday, October 24 (7:00pm – 12:00am)
Venue: Conrad Jupiters Casino – Pavilion Ballroom

Free Stuff!
Two Double passes are up for grabs to the Nikon Indy 300’s Hottest Off-Track Party at the Iluka Beach Resort (poolside), Cnr The Esplanade & Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise. Check out the Indy Fever Party website for more information on the event.

50 double passes are being given away to the Australian premiere of the movie Death Race.

Looking Forward To 2009
With no current contract with IRL the officials in Surfers Paradise have made a commitment to confirm a 2009 date. This date will proceed with or without IndyCar joining. October 22-25, 2009 will host the V-8 Super Car Series and if Indy get there crap together and stop whining about where the last race of the year is, they will likely race on the 25th in a non-points race.

The Courier Mail is reporting that tourism operators have said that there is a decrease in accommodation bookings around this year’s event. This was unheard of in past years and is more reason that we need Indy to commit to future years.