In a clear escalation of its efforts to stay on the Indy Racing League schedule in 2009, Surfers Paradise officials ordered scantily clad women to "model" new "uniforms" they'll be sporting at the race.
Surfers continues its long tradition of grid girl contests in conjunction to the race. Officials hope the bikini-and-high-heel strategy will give them an edge.
A national poll recently found that 87% of former Champ Car fans (an estimated 1729 people) listed "the loss of grid girls" as the most painful part of Champ Car's demise.
Read get an update on the situation in Surfers -- and a few more photos -- here.
87% of Champ Car fans???!! No wonder it did not survive...I guess the heck with competition, engineering ,sponsorships ect. If bikini girls are the biggest thing missed then that is an insult to the talented drivers, teams who strive to compete. Also an insult to true race supporters. Some has to be lying with that statistic. Remind me not to buy a ticket if that ends up what drives the unification and growth.
Posted by: LcR | October 09, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Dude, I made the 87% stat up (and there are more than 1729 former Champ Car fans too).
Posted by: pressdog | October 10, 2008 at 04:27 AM
47% of all stats are made up. It's a fact.
Posted by: My Name Is IRL | October 10, 2008 at 05:51 PM
I demand grid-men. Sure you can say the grid-men/eye candy for the lady fans are the drivers but the firesuits ruin the effect. Give me a guy with Daniel Craig's Bond-bod in those same swimming trunks! It's only fair.
Posted by: Carrie | October 11, 2008 at 09:38 AM
It is only fair to have grid boys. Might as well tap into the market for ogling male hotties while we're at it.
Posted by: pressdog | October 11, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Where do I sign up for my checkered flag speedo?
Posted by: Jesse | October 13, 2008 at 04:49 PM