Australia’s supercar capital is gearing up to host the largest entourage of supercars for a day of ultimate luxury to drive mental health into the spotlight. Over 50 of Australia’s most prestigious and exotic supercars will descend upon the Gold Coast next month to lap up South East Queensland’s most indulgent experiences while raising funds for mental health awareness.
‘The Sunset Run’ is the brainchild of ex-precision driver and owner of Her Supercar Life (HSL), Rachel Reid, who grew up with two older brothers and used to help them restore and tweak Holden VBs, VLs and Toranas, then went on to racing go-karts and Formula 440s. Along with East Exotics owner Ian Mclean, ex-racing driver Andrew Becquet and entrepreneur Matt Higgs, Ms Reid saw an opportunity to bring together an exclusive entourage of supercar owners in the ultimate lifestyle destination to serve up the pinnacle of VIP experiences.
“My interest in cars was sparked by my brothers, I got into racing go-karts and Formula 440s, and then a Miss Indy finalist. In my 20s I became a partner in a go kart track in Ormeau and from there I began to rub shoulders with top racing drivers before Norwell Motorplex eventually took me under their wing and honed my driving and racing skills. This is what ultimately introduced me to the world of high-end supercars,” Ms Reid told Driven Women Magazine.
Rachel Reid has been breaking down stigmas around women in male-dominated fields for years through her ‘Her Supercar Life’ community, and has now partnered with her fellow automotive lovers to expand this ideology into the mental health space.
“We started The Sunset Run to create an unforgettable and inclusive experience for automotive and lifestyle enthusiasts, while using our collective power to raise funds for the LIVIN charity who is doing extensive ground work of educating our community on mental health,” said Ms Reid.
The quote that sums up the way Ms Reid feels about mental health and driving is, “mental health is not a destination but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” For Ms Reid driving is just such a great escape that clears her head.
“Through our partnership, the Sunset Run has been able to fund LIVIN Well sessions for over 350 kids. Our aim is to continue our charity fundraising for even more schools, while bringing the Gold Coast a supercar and lifestyle event that is truly one of a kind,” said Mr McLean after January’s inaugural Sunset Run raised thousands for LIVIN while touring supercars from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.
Event organisers are now cranking things up a gear with the ‘Gold Coast Takeover’ to cultivate a day of ultimate luxury for a spectacular congregation of super car fanatics. A teaser of supercars anticipated to be in attendance include the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Mclaren 765 LT, Maserati MC20, Ferrari SF90 Stradale, and Audi R8.
“I’ve been very fortunate to drive some incredible cars over the years. Trying to narrow that down into a favourite is like asking me to choose my favourite child! Each one offers different things,” replied Ms Reid when asked which of the supercars she has driven over the years was her favourite.
The Sunset Run kicks off with breakfast at The Captains Lounge followed by a scenic drive through Gold Coast Hinterland and a coffee pitstop at Canungra Valley Vineyard. Guests are then ushered into the closed-off Oracle Boulevard and treated to chef’s lunch at the hatt’ed Social Eating House before a police escort leads the drivers on ‘The Sunset Run’ arriving at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. The day wraps up with a three Hour fully catered Private Sunset Cruise and world-first Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub Show where a charity auction will be held to raise further funds for LIVIN.
Supercar entry for drivers is $1,329 pp, and $981 for accompanying passengers and grants all ticket holders access to an itinerary that reads like a tick-box of the Gold Coast’s most coveted luxury attractions. Southeast Queensland hosts Australia’s highest concentration of supercars, with hundreds more expected to journey to the Gold Coast for the one of a kind spectacle.
Off the back of the event’s breakthrough success, Sunset Run organisers are eyeing off future event opportunities in Victoria, New South Wales, and even Miami.
“We are excited to be exploring further opportunities to bring the supercar fanfare to new exciting destinations, both at home and overseas,” said Ms Reid.
“Southeast Queensland has created the blueprint for this discovery event and we look forward to replicating this in new markets.”
For more information visit www.thesunsetrun.com.au
Photographs supplied.