Allen warns of slippery Gold Coast 500 as Supercars finals open
Three of the 10 title contenders face elimination at Surfers Paradise, while a race victory guarantees a finalist a place in the Sandown 500 semi-finals.
Kai Allen has warned that rain could make the Gold Coast 500 difficult for drivers as Supercars opens its finals with two 250km races at Surfers Paradise. The Grove Racing contender said painted road markings would become particularly slippery in wet conditions.
Rainfall forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology range from 2-20mm for Friday, 4-25mm for Saturday and 4-20mm for Sunday. Allen said he was looking forward to seeing how the racing unfolded despite the challenge.
Allen is seeded fifth, while his Grove Racing teammate Matt Payne leads the points standings. Triple Eight drivers Broc Feeney and Will Brown occupy second and third respectively, ahead of Bathurst 1000 champion Brodie Kostecki.
The Gold Coast round will reduce the title field by three drivers. Any finalist who wins a race gains automatic passage to the semi-finals at the Sandown 500. Those outside the finals remain in competition for championship placings from 11th down.
Officials have also brought tyre bundles back to the beach chicane following incidents involving airborne cars last year. Positioned further back than before, the bundles will still allow drivers to use some of the high kerbs. Allen finished third and sixth on his debut at the circuit last year and later reached the four-driver grand final.
