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23 April 2010

Mark Blundell has had to withdraw from the final list of international drivers for this year’s Gold Coast 600 because of increasing business commitments.

The former F1 and Champ Car driver was named as one of the original five international drivers for the event a couple of months ago, the twelfth round in the 2010 V8 Supercars Championship, but has to regrettably withdraw his participation.

Blundell and fellow F1 driver Martin Brundle established 2mb Sports Management in 2005 as a boutique talent management company committed to identifying and developing young sports talent.

In January 2009, Blundell took sole ownership of the company, which looks after the interest of many young stars in a cross-section of sports.

The recent development of a dedicated football division has seen the business grow dramatically.

“When the opportunity was presented to be a part of this new-look concept on the Gold Coast I leapt at the chance,” said Blundell. “Unfortunately growing business interests and an unavoidable date clash in the week of the race has meant that I cannot make it down to Surfers Paradise.

“I wish everyone well with the ‘re-birth’ of that great event and look forward to possibly getting down there next year.”

Gold Coast 600 General Manager, Shane Howard, said he was disappointed Blundell could not be part of the inaugural new-look International format.

“Mark has a great racing pedigree and was a solid fit for what we are trying to achieve with the new format at the Gold Coast 600,” said Howard. “We are disappointed that he will not be able to make it down here in October, but we understand the demands of running a successful business like he has.

“We thank him to letting us know of his situation well in advance so we could continue our planning.”

The Armor All Gold Coat 600 will be run on the streets of the Gold Coast from October 22-24.