Younger drivers are set to learn from a $500,000 improve to Australia’s unique devoted personal driver coaching facility on the Gold Coast.
The development program on the Norwell Motorplex is targeted on resurfacing of the primary 2.2-kilometre circuit but additionally contains work on the skidpad, off-road course, security limitations and even a brand new signal on the entrance – halfway between Brisbane and Surfers Paradise.
“We even purchased a brand new mower,” joked Paul Morris, the previous Bathurst 1000 winner who owns and operates the power, speaking to CarExpert.
It’s a part of ongoing work on the facility, which was opened in 1990 in the midst of Queensland cane fields.
One of many newer programs at Norwell is for teenagers, but it surely additionally hosts the ‘First Gear’ program for Motorsport Australia that’s open to youngsters as younger as 13.
“We do our our Teen Defensive Driving Course each Saturday afternoon with automobiles provided by Mazda. That’s 18 children and three automobiles,” stated Morris.
“The large factor with that now could be to indicate them how the expertise within the automotive works and find out how to be protected. It’s find out how to use the expertise to keep away from an accident. There’s a huge hole between the driving curriculum and expertise within the automotive.”
Morris is emphatic in regards to the want for Norwell, which has simply celebrated the second anniversary of a Learner Drive Day at the side of the Queensland Police.
“You may’t educate folks to drive with out really letting them to drive. It’s no completely different to swimming, the place you’ve received to have a pool.
“There must be extra services. Driver training might be solely 15 per cent of our enterprise, however it can be crucial and gives a neighborhood service.”
Though youngsters are one of many rising goal teams at Norwell, the Motorplex additionally attracts a lot of hundreds of thrill seekers for its V8 Supercar driving expertise and a rising variety of company clients.
“Our largest progress is in company occasions. It’s folks in different industries in search of one thing completely different for his or her employees and shoppers.”
There may be additionally extra demand for the number of tracks and programs.
“It’s been ongoing work. We’re steadily re-surfacing,” stated Morris.
“It’s not all completed without delay, as a result of I wish to have completely different surfaces for coaching. I need completely different grips ranges, as a result of it teaches folks to really feel the monitor.”
The Morris household has been concerned at Norwell from the beginning, when Terry Morris partnered with retired racing champion Frank Gardner on what was then known as the Benson&Hedges BMW Efficiency Driving Centre. Since then it has been backed by Mercedes-Benz and Holden.
Now Paul Morris stated there are ongoing upgrades as a part of the largest latest funding program at Norwell.
“We’ve at all times received work happening right here. It’s such an enormous market, and it’s rising.”
“Quite a lot of the work is for our company use. After we go to a car producer we’ve received to have the ability to present all of the strengths of their car.”
The final main resurfacing on the monitor was in 2007 however Morris stated there was loads of latest give attention to the off-road monitor.
“It’s 2.5 kilometres. It’s been upgraded as effectively.
“It’s a comparatively small take a look at part, however you possibly can interact the differential locks, drive over rocks and sand, and thru our water crossing.”
Then there may be the automotive equal of the theme parks that are a significant drawcard for the Gold Coast.
“The V8 Supercar Expertise is at all times fairly fashionable. We’d put 80 folks by means of that each Saturday. That hasn’t slowed up in any respect.
“The largest factor is that folks nonetheless need to drive the V8-powered Holdens and Fords. There may be nonetheless loads of ardour for these automobiles.”
