Marino Franchitti is the latest driver to have signed up for the V8 Supercar Surfers Paradise event in October. Franchitti will make his Gold Coast 600 debut for the Gulf Western Oils team alongside seasoned veteran Warren Luff.
The Scot, the 2010 American Le Mans Series champion, joins a host of big names to be driving in the event including IndyCar star Will Power, fellow sports car racer Simon Pagenaud and Nissan GT1 star Richard Westbrook.
Having watched brother Dario compete in last year's event, Marino said his participation this year had satisfied a long-term ambition.
"To be fulfilling a long-held dream of driving a V8 supercar in Australia is hugely exciting and to be going up against so many outstanding drivers just adds to the anticipation," he admitted. "I've been a fan of V8 Supercars since I started watching Bathurst back in the days of Peter Brock and Dick Johnson, and I came down to the event last year with Dario. From the moment I got there it was obvious that I had to be involved.
"I had a few offers but I really wanted to drive with Warren Luff as we've known each other for a few years now."
Queensland Minister of Sport Phil Reeves also hailed the announcement, saying: "the Bligh Government is a big supporter of this event because it takes the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia to all corners of the globe, by attracting class acts like Marino Franchitti."