Supercars race schedule for Gold Coast, QLD |
Supercars qualifying and finals across the race weekend |
On the Gold Coast, the 2026 Supercars race schedule turns an ordinary October weekend into three days of street-circuit noise, beachside crowds and serious racing stakes.
The Gold Coast 500 runs from Friday, October 23, to Sunday, October 25, with practice, Supercars qualifying and two main races around Surfers Paradise.
For spectators planning work, travel or a family day out, the crucial detail is that Friday afternoon qualifying sets up Saturday’s first race.
That puts meaningful track action on the opening day, rather than leaving the biggest moments entirely to the weekend.
Friday’s Supercars practice sessions are scheduled for 11:45 am and 1:50 pm, followed by qualifying at 4:05 pm.
Each practice session is listed for 25 minutes, while qualifying is scheduled to run for 30 minutes.
Anyone arriving late on Friday risks missing a session that could shape the story of Saturday’s race.
On Saturday, the Supercars Top Ten Shootout is scheduled for 12:35 pm, giving the quickest drivers another chance to settle the starting order.
The first main race is due to begin at 3:15 pm and is listed for 85 laps.
That afternoon start leaves time to explore the precinct, but it also means spectators should choose their viewing spot before the busiest arrival period.
Sunday brings a fresh round of Supercars qualifying, with two 12-minute sessions scheduled for 11:20 am and 11:40 am.
A further Top Ten Shootout is listed for 12:05 pm, ahead of the weekend’s second 85-lap race at 2:45 pm.
The two main races have different qualifying paths, so Friday’s results should not be mistaken for Sunday’s starting order.
For fans searching for Supercars finals, Saturday and Sunday are the headline race days, while Friday offers an early look at who has the pace.
Street racing can change quickly, and these session times should be treated as a planning guide rather than a guarantee against delays.
Support categories add movement between the Supercars sessions, with V8 SuperUtes, Carrera Cup and Aussie Racing Cars appearing across the program.
Saturday’s support races start in the morning, making an early arrival worthwhile for anyone who wants more than the main event.
Sunday also has racing before lunch, so families can see substantial track action without waiting until the afternoon.
Off the circuit, the planned Sound Track entertainment precinct brings a festival feel to the Gold Coast 500.
Its announced lineup includes Bag Raiders, Havana Brown, Guy Contact and Sneaky Sound System, giving visitors another reason to stay after the engines quieten.
Music may broaden the weekend’s appeal, but the street circuit remains the draw for people who come to feel cars pass through the heart of the city.
Getting there deserves almost as much thought as choosing a grandstand or general-admission spot.
Road closures and event crowds around Surfers Paradise and Main Beach can make a short car trip frustratingly slow.
The G:link light rail is a practical option for visitors travelling through the coastal corridor, while passengers arriving from Brisbane can connect at Helensvale.
Walking from nearby accommodation may be simpler still, particularly when the streets are busiest before and after the main races.
Ride-share and taxi passengers should allow extra time and expect their drop-off point to be a walk from the circuit.
For general-admission visitors, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water will matter once a full day in the sun stretches into late afternoon.
A compact seat or towel can make breaks easier, but check current entry conditions before packing shade, chairs, food or drinks.
The easiest mistake is planning only for race start time and overlooking queues, walking distances and the qualifying sessions that build the drama.
Check the latest event information before leaving home, especially if your day depends on a particular session or ticketed activity.
For locals, the Gold Coast 500 is also a reminder that a major event reshapes the usual rhythm of the beachfront.
A little planning can turn that disruption into a memorable weekend, whether the priority is Supercars qualifying, the two race finishes or time with family beside the track. |
164 Comments
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Might watch Friday practice before the weekend crowds roll in.
Havana Brown and fast cars, my kind of weekend!!
That’s quite a combination! Havana Brown is on the announced Sound Track lineup alongside the weekend’s racing.
I'm picking my viewing spot well before the Saturday shootout.
The cars through the city streets are worth the noise!!
That’s the appeal of a street circuit: the cars racing right through the heart of the city. Thanks for reading!
Hope the Sunday race stays on time, 85 laps is a lot!
Fingers crossed! Sunday’s 85-lap race is scheduled for 2:45 pm, though it’s worth allowing for possible delays.
Helensvale connection sounds easier than hunting for parking near the track.
It could save you a parking headache. Visitors coming from Brisbane can connect to the G:link at Helensvale.
A towel for sitting down is such a good tip!
Glad it helped! A towel is an easy thing to carry for a break, just check the current entry conditions before you pack.
I love the racing, but the ride-share queues are rough.
Nothing beats hearing the cars through Surfers Paradise!!
The SuperUtes are half the reason I go!
The SuperUtes add plenty to the weekend! They’re part of the support program across the three days.
That Saturday shootout at 12:35 is going on my calendar.
Hannah Q.That's the session I'm keen on too. Should be a good lead-in to the race.
Good one to save! Saturday’s 12:35 pm Top Ten Shootout will help settle the order for the first race.
Really hoping the Friday sessions run on time this year.
Daniel PriceSame. I’m leaving a bit of extra time either way, street circuits can be unpredictable.
The V8 SuperUtes were a highlight for me last time.
Peter WalshThey put on a great show. I hope I catch more of their races this year.
Last time I drove to Surfers for this, never again!
Olivia N.I made that mistake once too. I’ll be taking the G:link this time.
I'll get there early Saturday for the support races too.
Steve MorganGood call. I went early last year and the morning racing was worth it.
Bag Raiders at Sound Track might convince my sister to come!
We stayed in Main Beach last time and walked everywhere.
Jade L.Walking is hard to beat from Main Beach. We spent longer waiting for a ride home than the walk would’ve taken.
That sounds like a great base. Walking from nearby accommodation can be especially handy when the streets get busy.
Hope the schedule holds up if it rains.
Scott MillerSame. A wet street circuit could shuffle things around, so I’ll check the times before heading in.
The Friday qualifying time is later than I expected.
Nina PatelSame here. I thought Friday would be mostly practice, but 4:05 qualifying makes it worth getting there after work.
Is the light rail packed after Sunday's finish?
Does anyone know how packed the light rail gets after the race?
Those road closures make school pickup a pain every year.
Chris V.Yep, the detours add so much time. I always have to leave earlier that week.
I'll bring water if we're staying for the late race.
Sam L.Definitely. There's not much shade when you're standing trackside all afternoon.
I'm more excited for the Aussie Racing Cars honestly!
Chris B.They’re great fun to watch. I’m glad there’s support racing in the morning too.
Sunscreen and water are a must for that Saturday race.
Definitely. Comfortable shoes and a hat are good additions for a long afternoon trackside, too.
Hoping the road closures don't trap Main Beach residents again.
The street circuit noise is half the fun for me.
Getting off at Helensvale beats driving into that traffic.
Connecting to the G:link at Helensvale could save you the hassle of driving into the event traffic.
I'm more excited for Bag Raiders than the cars!
The music is a draw in its own right! Bag Raiders are among the acts announced for the Sound Track precinct.
Does anyone know the best general admission spot in Surfers?
It depends on the view you’re after, so we’d check the current circuit map and arrive early enough to explore the general-admission areas before they get busy.
Leah K.Do you want a view of a corner or somewhere easier to move around with kids? That might narrow it down.
Sunday's race at 2:45 works better for our family.
Those Friday practice sessions are shorter than I expected.
They are quick: Friday’s two practice sessions are listed for 25 minutes each, with qualifying at 4:05 pm.
Tommy G.Only 25 minutes each. I'll have to get there on time for once.
The V8 SuperUtes are always fun to watch between sessions.
Craig S.They’re a good reason to stay by the track between the main sessions.
Might take the train to Helensvale this time.
Carrera Cup in the morning and Supercars later sounds perfect.
Sneaky Sound System will be a fun finish to the day!
Friday qualifying matters, but I can only make Sunday unfortunately.
I might just walk over from my hotel in Main Beach.
I'll be bringing a hat and heaps of water this time!!
You’ll be glad you did! A hat, sunscreen and plenty of water can make a long day trackside much more comfortable.
Might take Friday off work for those practice sessions!
I'd rather see the Sunday race start a little earlier.
I learned my lesson about sunscreen there last year.
Two races through Surfers Paradise, can't beat that sound!!
Tom EllisYou can hear them coming well before you see them. It's something else in person.
Sneaky Sound System might convince my sister to come along.
Good reminder that Friday qualifying doesn't set Sunday's grid.
Really hope the light rail handles the Sunday crowd better.
The Carrera Cup races are worth getting there early for.
I'll be there Friday to catch that first practice session!
Amy CollinsGood call. That 11:45 session is a nice way to start the weekend.
I live near Surfers. Excited for the racing, less excited for traffic!
Are compact seats actually allowed in general admission this year?
A 3:15 start gives us plenty of time to find shade first.
Good plan, the afternoon start gives you time to settle in, but it’s worth finding your spot before the busiest arrivals.
A walk from the taxi drop off sounds about right.
Nathan J.Yep, I’d wear comfortable shoes even if I was only going for the afternoon race.
I'm going for the Carrera Cup as much as the Supercars!
Hope the road closures around Main Beach are clearly signed this year.
We hope so too. Road closures can affect both Main Beach and Surfers Paradise, so it’s worth checking the latest event information before heading out.
Sneaky Sound System after the racing sounds pretty good to me!!
Chloe EvansI was thinking the same thing. Nice to have a reason to hang around after the cars finish.
Last time I forgot sunscreen at the track. Never again!
A lesson learned the hard way! Sunscreen, a hat and water are worth putting at the top of the packing list.
Nina PatelI made the same mistake once. There's not much shade when you're standing trackside all day.
Friday qualifying matters? Might have to leave work early!
Good reminder that Sunday has its own qualifying.
That 3:15 Saturday start gives us plenty of beach time first.
There’s room for a beach morning, but don’t forget the Top Ten Shootout at 12:35 pm if you want to catch it.
The Carrera Cup is worth arriving early for!
I always forget how much walking Main Beach involves.
I live near the circuit and the noise gets old fast.
Those V8 SuperUtes are worth getting there early for.
Might bring the kids early for the Aussie Racing Cars.
I always forget how much walking there is around the circuit.
Sarah MillsIt really adds up, especially if you’re moving between viewing spots. Comfortable shoes for me this year.
I wish Sunday's race started a little earlier.
Mark H.Same here. A 2:45 start makes it a long day if you're bringing kids.
Sneaky Sound System after the racing sounds pretty good!
We can see the appeal! Sneaky Sound System is among the acts announced for the Sound Track precinct.
Definitely bringing hats for the kids on Sunday.
Does anyone know where the easiest grandstand access is?
Chris B.Which grandstand are you in? The easiest entrance can depend on where your seats are.
The easiest entrance will depend on your grandstand, so check the event map and your ticket before you travel. The G:link may be simpler than driving through the road closures.
That Saturday Top Ten Shootout is what I'm waiting for!!
My kids will love seeing the Aussie Racing Cars.
Friday qualifying at 4:05 might be tricky with work.
Glad the kids can see some racing Sunday morning too!
Yes, Sunday has racing before lunch, so there’s track action for families well before the main race at 2:45 pm.
Glad Sunday has its own qualifying. Keeps both races interesting.
Peter W.Agreed. It's good that Sunday's grid won't be decided by what happened on Friday.
Friday at 4:05 might be tricky with school pickup.
Bag Raiders after the racing? I'm sold!!
It’s a great addition to the weekend. Bag Raiders are among the acts announced for the Sound Track precinct.
The Top Ten Shootout is always my favourite bit!
I hope the road closures around Main Beach are clearer this year.
We hope so too. It’s worth checking the latest closure information before heading into Main Beach.
Luke MartinAgreed. Last time I had to take a much longer route to get home than I expected.
Good to know Sunday has its own qualifying sessions.
Bag Raiders after the racing? I'm in!!
Bag Raiders are on the announced Sound Track lineup! Check the event program for their set time before making plans.
kim_87That’s a good reason to stay after the race. Sneaky Sound System will be fun too.
I'm excited to see the Top Ten Shootout!
I'll be taking the G:link. Parking in Surfers is hard enough.
Surfers gets so busy, I'll be there early.
kim_87Early is the way to go. Even the walk from the tram gets crowded by lunchtime.
That’s a smart plan. Allowing time for queues and the walk to your viewing spot should make the day much easier.
I live in Main Beach and I'm already dreading the traffic.
That’s understandable, road closures and crowds can make getting around Main Beach difficult. Checking the latest event information before heading out should help with planning.
The Top Ten Shootout is always my favourite bit!
I'll be on the G:link, no way I'm driving in.
Ben CarterGood call. I drove in last time and spent ages getting out of Surfers.
I'll be on the G:link, no way I'm driving into Surfers.
Ben CarterSame here. I'd rather walk from the tram stop than sit in traffic around Surfers.
That 3:15 Saturday start works nicely for us.
Glad it suits your plans. It leaves some time to explore, though we’d still pick a viewing spot before the afternoon crowds build.
I'll be taking the G:link. Driving into Surfers sounds painful.
Two 85 lap races sounds like a great weekend!
That 3:15 Saturday start gives us time for lunch first.
Absolutely, there’s time for lunch before the 3:15 pm race, though we’d leave a little extra time to find a viewing spot.
Two 85 lap races sounds like a great weekend!
Jess P.Plenty of racing to watch. I'm hoping both finishes are close!
Two 85 lap races sounds like a great weekend!!
It should be a big weekend! Saturday’s race starts at 3:15 pm, with the second 85-lapper set for 2:45 pm Sunday.
Friday qualifying at 4:05 might be worth leaving work early for.
Two 85 lap races sounds like a great weekend!
It should be a full weekend of racing, with one 85-lap Supercars race on Saturday and another on Sunday.
Friday qualifying at 4:05 means I can go after work!
Dave ThompsonThat timing works out nicely. Hope you can get through the gates before it starts!
I'm keen to catch Friday qualifying this year!!
Friday qualifying at 4:05 pm is well worth catching, it sets up Saturday’s first race.
I'm so keen for the Saturday race in Surfers!!
Mia R.Me too! I'm planning to get there early and find a spot before the afternoon crowds.
I'm keen to catch Friday qualifying after work!
I'm so keen for the Saturday race in Surfers!!
Mia R.Same here! The 3:15 start gives me time to get a good spot before it fills up.
Saturday should be a cracker! The Top Ten Shootout is scheduled for 12:35 pm, ahead of the 3:15 pm race start.