The Gold Coast 600 is trumpeted as one of the most iconic motorsport events in the world. Part of the Australian V8 Supercar Series, the racing carnival unfolded between October 19 and 21 at the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit  in Queensland, Australia.

Thousands flocked to watch some 30 racing aces from around the world thunder along at over 185 mph. The concrete-lined circuit they trace is one of the world’s toughest street tracks, according to the organizers. The top-finishing drivers in this year’s final 300 km race were Australian Will Davison and Finn Mika Salo of Ford Performance Racing. The pair broke  TeamVodafone’s winning streak of 11 races and Salo became the first Finn to win a V8 Supercars Championship race. During the evenings of the event, in the spirit of “rock and race”, parties ignited with gigs from some of the best local and global talent. The organizers brand the event “the Gold Coast’s biggest party.”In fact, the partying is said to be nearly as hard as the driving. “Party to the finish line!”

We wonder if the drivers agree.

Cover Photo Credit: thomasrdotorg – flickr.com