Younger drivers are set to profit from a $500,000 improve to Australia’s authentic devoted non-public 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 consists of work on the skidpad, off-road course, security obstacles 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 course of Queensland cane fields.

One of many newer programs at Norwell is for teenagers, however it 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 vehicles provided by Mazda. That’s 18 youngsters and three vehicles,” mentioned Morris.

“The large factor with that now could be to point out them how the expertise within the automotive works and easy methods to be secure. It’s easy methods 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 along side the Queensland Police.

“You may’t train folks to drive with out truly letting them to drive. It’s no completely different to swimming, the place you’ve acquired to have a pool.

“There must be extra amenities. Driver schooling might be solely 15 per cent of our enterprise, however it will be significant and supplies a group service.”

Though youngsters are one of many rising goal teams at Norwell, the Motorplex additionally attracts lots of 1000’s of thrill seekers for its V8 Supercar driving expertise and a rising variety of company clients.

“Our greatest progress is in company occasions. It’s folks in different industries searching for one thing completely different for his or her workers and shoppers.”

There may be additionally extra demand for the number of tracks and programs.

“It’s been ongoing work. We’re progressively re-surfacing,” mentioned Morris.

“It’s not all finished without delay, as a result of I prefer to have completely different surfaces for coaching. I would like 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 referred to as the Benson&Hedges BMW Efficiency Driving Centre. Since then it has been backed by Mercedes-Benz and Holden.

Now Paul Morris mentioned there are ongoing upgrades as a part of the largest current funding program at Norwell.

“We’ve at all times acquired work happening right here. It’s such a giant market, and it’s rising.”

“Numerous the work is for our company use. Once we go to a automobile producer we’ve acquired to have the ability to present all of the strengths of their automobile.”

The final main resurfacing on the monitor was in 2007 however Morris mentioned there was numerous current concentrate on 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 serious drawcard for the Gold Coast.

“The V8 Supercar Expertise is at all times fairly well-liked. We’d put 80 folks by way of that each Saturday. That hasn’t slowed up in any respect.

“The most important factor is that folks nonetheless need to drive the V8-powered Holdens and Fords. There may be nonetheless numerous ardour for these vehicles.”