Supercars has unveiled a free community fan event, IGNITION, which will officially launch the 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500. This Thursday, 17 September 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m, the launch will take place at The Lawn Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast.
The event is Open to fans of all ages; the evening provides an exclusive first look at new elements planned for next month’s racing round in Surfers Paradise.
Long recognised as Supercars’ “party race”, the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 is broadening its off-track entertainment in 2026 to build a citywide festival atmosphere. At IGNITION, attendees will receive an early preview of Sound Track, a new entertainment precinct on Macintosh Island, Surfers Paradise dedicated to live music and interactive experiences.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet Supercars drivers, including Matt Payne, Cam Waters, James Golding, Kai Allen, and other surprise guests. The event schedule features live BMX and skateboarding demonstrations on the Boost Mobile skate ramp, performances by dancers and breakdancers, racing simulators, and Supercars on display.
Supercars acting CEO Barclay Nettlefold explained the goal behind the expanded format: “We’ve been working behind the scenes on some big changes for this year’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 that develop the event into a major and an all-encompassing citywide experience,” Nettlefold said. “IGNITION is our chance to finally give the Gold Coast public a sneak peek of what we’ve been putting together. It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be loud and, most importantly, it’s free. We encourage Gold Coast locals to come down, get involved and meet some of our star drivers and surprise guests to help us kick off the build up to race weekend.”
The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 stands as Queensland’s largest annual sporting event, having recorded an attendance of 197,427 in 2025. Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek MP outlined the economic contributions of the round to the region.
“The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 delivers significant benefits for the Gold Coast and Queensland, generating around 154,000 visitor nights and contributing $64 million to the state economy in 2026,” Langbroek said. “The Crisafulli Government is committed to growing world-class experiences through Destination 2045, and the Gold Coast 500 is a standout example of an event that drives visitation, supports local industry and reinforces Queensland as Australia’s events capital.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate noted the community focus of the program: “The many activities focused on entertainment at this year’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 means there will be truly something for everyone to enjoy, emphasising the world class lifestyle of the Gold Coast,” Tate said. “We look forward to celebrating the event at IGNITION on September 17 and counting down to the most exciting Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 yet.”
Boost Mobile CEO Bobby Geldens confirmed the brand’s ongoing involvement: “We’re pumped to be back as naming rights partner of the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 in 2026,” Geldens said. “Every year we work our arse off alongside the Supercars team to make it bigger, louder and better for the fans, and this year we’re taking it to another level. Whether you’re trackside, in the grandstands or at one of the many events happening across the city, we want all visitors to the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 to have an unforgettable experience.”
The launch event builds the excitement ahead of the main race program scheduled for October 23-25 in Surfers Paradise, which kicks off the Supercars Finals. The round is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast, with tickets available via Supercars.com.
EVENT DETAILS:
IGNITION, a free community launch event for the 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 open to fans of all ages.
WHEN: Thursday 17 September 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. AEST
WHERE: The Star Gold Coast, The Lawn Garden Kitchen & Bar
The 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 will take place from 23-25 October.
