Surfers Paradise Street Circuit - Circuit Construction

Circuit Construction

The circuit that was run on until 2009 was designed by Ron Dickson of D3 Motorsport Development and was the fourth concept put forward for the Surfers Paradise area. This work was carried out in 1988 and was first raced on in 1991. The construction of the circuit and all associated engineering project management has been carried out by Engineer John Howe and his associated companies Weathered Howe and iEdm since 1991.The construction of the circuit has been acclaimed internationally and is used as a benchmark for new temporary street circuits world-wide. Over a full 12-month period plans are laid and then implemented to transform a bustling residential, commercial and holiday destination into a temporary street circuit capable of facilitating high-speed motor races and hundreds of thousands of people.

In a two-month period leading up to the event, seven bridges are erected, 2515 concrete barriers installed, 11,500 grandstand seats fastened, more than 140 corporate suites furnished, 10 km (6.2 mi) of debris fencing and 16 km (9.9 mi) of security fencing placed, many more temporary structures fitted, and large-scale power and telecommunications systems activated.

The circuit is also an international leader in motor racing safety standards applauded by CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motorsport) and the FIA (the international governing body of motorsport). One of the major advancements over the past few years has been an increase in double height debris fencing including an additional 610 panels in high impact areas in 2005.