Simonsen to replace Kanaan this weekend at Armor All Gold Coast 600

Further to the withdrawal of Will Power from the Armor All Gold Coast 600, Brazilian Tony Kanaan will not be making the trek downunder and will be replaced in the Jana Living Commodore by Danish racer, Allan Simonsen - who finished third at Bathurst with Greg Murphy just two weeks ago.

Kanaan - who was leading the Las Vegas finale at the time of the multi-car pileup - was one of many who couldn't hide their distress following the news of Dan Wheldon's passing.

The former IndyCar Champion had been due to partner Jason Bargwanna in the Jana Living Racing machine - however Simonsen - coming in with confidence after a stellar Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 is a more than able replacement.

The Armor All Gold Coast 600's unique format requires the two endurance races to be completed by the team's regular driver, partnered by an international driver. There will be a test day for the international competitors at Queensland Raceway this Wednesday.

Brad Jones - Team Co-Owner "I read the news about Dan Wheldon on the internet this morning after getting a call from my son. I couldn't believe the accident. I knew that he and Tony were quite close after they drove together at Andretti Autosport. His mentor, Steve Horne, called me to say Tony needed time to grieve this morning and I totally understand that. I've lost people close to me and, whether expected or unexpected, it's a terrible thing.

"I was extremely excited about working with Tony Kanaan but I think we've got a great replacement in Allan Simonsen. He did a fantastic job with Murph to finish third at Bathurst and I'm sure his style and personality will fit in perfectly at BJR."

Allan Simonsen Jana Living Racing Co-Driver "Any fatal crash is absolutely devastating. I raced European karts against Dan; it's just so sad and a very difficult situation for everyone. There are a lot of people who have been affected by this.

"I have to thank Kelly Racing for the clearance in allowing me to race with Jason Bargwanna this weekend. After finishing third with them at Bathurst, I had to run this past them. That, and knowing Jason and other members of the team, made it quite an easy choice."

The Armor All Gold Coast 600 will start on Friday with three days worth of race by day action and two rock by night 600 Sounds concerts, that will feature the likes of Bliss N Eso, The Potbelleez and Simple Minds in their only Australian appearance on this world tour.

Tickets are available from just $136 for a three day pass which includes concert entry from Ticketek.com or by calling 132 849.

WHAT IS THE ARMOR ALL GOLD COAST 600?

The Armor All Gold Coast 600 is South East Queensland's biggest annual event and represents the third endurance race on the V8 Supercars calendar. Fresh from the Supercheap Auto 1000 at Bathurst, the 28 V8 Supercars drivers are partnered with an international star. Racers from Formula 1, IndyCar, Sports Car, Touring Car and NASCAR will be on hand in 2011 for the event -October 21-23. The V8 Supercars will be supported by Porsche Carrera Cup, the V8 Utes, Touring Car Masters and Formula Ford.

WHAT IS 600 SOUNDS, PRESENTED BY SEA FM?

600 Sounds is the nightly concert component of the Armor All Gold Coast 600 Rock 'N' Race format. In 2011, Aussie HipHop stars Bliss N Eso lead the charge on Friday night - presented by Sea FM, whilst legendary Scottish rockers, Simple Minds will make the only Australian appearance of their world tour on Saturday night - and are proudly presented by Gold FM. The Friday night concert also includes The Potbelleez, Drapht, Illy and Bag Raiders, whilst Simple Minds will be ably backed up by Eskimo Joe, the Hoodoo Gurus and Masters Apprentices. Once you've raced all day, rock all night with your Armor All Gold Coast 600 ticket.


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