Sir Jack Brabham (left) and Frank Gardner at the grand opening in 1990.
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stablished in 1990 by Australian motor racing legend and driver training pioneer, Frank Gardner, the Performance Driving Centre is considered one of the most complete, allpurpose driver training facilities in the world.
Equally 40 minutes from Queensland’s Gold Coast and capital city - Brisbane, the facility incorporates a multi-functional 2.1 kilometre track with a combination of fast sweeping bends, heavy braking areas and long straights to test man and machine; classroom training facilities; a skidpan and the only mechanical turntable for driver training in the Southern Hemisphere. A world-class motor racing workshop and engineering facility is contained within the grounds as well. Now headed up by Bathurst 1000 and V8 Supercars race winner, Paul Morris, the Performance Driving Centre combines world-class driver training options for drivers of all ages and abilities. It is also the home of the only V8 Supercars Official Driving Experience anywhere in the world.
“MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS THAT IT WAS OVER TOO QUICK”
DRIVING EXPERIENCES AND PROGRAMS
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he Performance Driving Centre Some driving options include: offers a number of personal and ● V8 Supercars Official Driving corporate/group programs. Experience (Drive, Ride or Race) ● Advanced Driver Training programs The facility caters for drivers from pre- ● Circuit Slalom license teenage school groups to drivers ● Skidpan training and competition who visit and obtain skills they never ● Competitive Driver Challenges thought they needed. ● Kart racing - with real, race-prepared karts Unique to the Performance Driving ● Stunt Driver GC experience Centre, race drivers can be tested for ● Off-road, 4WD Training their CAMS Licenses year round. Additional options can include: With a number of race-prepared karts on ● On-site catering hand and a four-wheel drive track, as well ● Full facility hire (with re-branding as a full fleet of V8 Supercars, multiple options) experiences can be combined for the ● Private track rental ultimate day out. ● V8 Supercars Championship Driver appearances (subject to availability) The Performance Driving Centre is the ● Hot laps from a V8 Supercars home of the only V8 Supercars-endorsed Championship driver (subject to Driving Experience in the world. availability) ● Guest speakers This gives V8 Supercars fans the ● In-car video to re-live your experience opportunity to step off the couch and into ● Custom trophies the driver’s seat, where they will be joined ● Professional photography by a professional V8 Supercar driver. ● Gift packs There is also the option for passenger’s ● Prizes seat ‘Hot Laps’ and corporate team- ● Custom Merchandise building experiences.
A HISTORY BORN FROM DRIVE, RIDE AND RACE
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he V8 Supercars Official Driving Experience gives customers a number of options to get an authentic V8 Supercars experience - they can DRIVE a V8 Supercar; RIDE with an experienced racecar driver or RACE their mates just like being at Bathurst! Corporate and group visitors can get the real V8 Supercars feel with an enduro package that includes pitstops, driver changes and a race to the chequered flag! The Performance Driving Centre has had motorsport and V8 Supercars etched into its DNA from the very beginning. The expansive race workshop has few peers in Australia in its ability to build and maintain racecars and act as a supplier for other race teams. The technology on hand is second to none in Australian motorsport. There are numerous corporate opportunities within the V8 Supercars Experience - separate or complimentary to any involvement with the Performance Driving Centre, such as: ● Permanent racecar supply to V8 Supercars Official Driving Experience (adding to existing racecar fleet) ● Exclusivity of racecar fleet supply ● Racecar vehicle signage ● Venue signage ● Venue presenting rights partnerships ● Fully branded base for complete racing team ● Branded interactive race factory tours ● Sponsor and partner leverage opportunities
“YOU WOULDN’T TRAVEL ON A PLANE WITHOUT A FULLY QUALIFIED PILOT - SO WHY WOULD YOU TRAVEL IN A CAR WITHOUT A FULLY QUALIFIED DRIVER?” - PAUL MORRIS - PERFORMANCE DRIVING CENTRE PRINCIPAL.
A WORLD CLASS DRIVING VENUE ON THE GOLD COAST ● Full 2.1km training circuit ● The only Mechanical Turntable in the Southern Hemisphere, designed to simulate oversteer ● Skid Pan ● A fleet of training vehicles - or vehicles can be brought in by a manufacturer ● V8 Supercars Official Driving Experience racecars ● Complete, world-class motor racing workshop
CORPORATE/GROUP EVENT FACILITIES ● Conferencing facilities ● On-site catering ● Branding opportunities throughout the facility ● Race-themed bar ● Merchandise shop and showroom ● Relaxed, grassy viewing areas ● Large spaces for static displays, entertainment etc ● Mini-shuttle service available
THE PERFECT TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY THAT WILL DELIVER STAFF AND CLIENTS LIFE-SAVING SKILLS
DRIVING TOURISM INVESTMENT
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he V8 Supercars Official Driving Experience perfectly complements the Gold Coast’s world famous beaches; the iconic theme parks and the bustling cultural and lifestyle hub of Brisbane.
It is estimated that the Gold Coast 600 motor race injects $60 million annually into the Gold Coast economy, with that compounded through many employees in the V8 Supercars industry also based around the Gold Coast. The economic importance of V8 Supercars to Queensland is almost immeasurable: ● The Gold Coast 600 is the biggest annual event of all in Queensland ● The Townsville V8 Supercar race is the biggest annual event in North Queensland ● The Ipswich V8 Supercar race is arguably the biggest annual one-off regional event in the state. The V8 Supercars Official Driving Experience is perfectly located to capitalise on the residual tourism benefit of these events. Additionally, being between the Gold Coast’s leisure tourism market and Brisbane’s business tourism market, it can cater for the full spectrum of the tourism spend in the state.
BRING YOUR BRAND TO LIFE
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he Performance Driving Centre is more than just a driver training facility and racetrack.
Based on an expansive, private facility on the Gold Coast, the Performance Driving Centre is the ultimate destination to bring your brand to life. With access to some of the best photography and video crews in the Australian motoring industry, the Performance Driving Centre can capture every moment to immortalise your event. Whether you’re welcoming enthusiasts of your brand or potential new customers, multiple opportunities exist, including but not limited to: ● Large-scale racetrack signage ● Fence and building signage ● Display areas - indoor and outdoor ● Roadside facility welcome signage ● Provision of vehicles for driver training ● Signage on driver training vehicle fleet ● Provision of racecars for Driving Experience ● Signage on Driving Experience racecars ● Directional signage from M1 (by negotiation with authorities) ● Public events/brand open days ● Trade Days/Field Days/Swap Meets ● Enthusiast gatherings (i.e. car shows) ● On-track hire and displays
MORE THAN JUST DRIVER TRAINING
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The only Aston Martin One-77 in Australia at W.A.R.
he Performance Driving Centre and learn how to pilot their vehicles as offers more than Advanced Driver the manufacturer intended! Training and the V8 Supercars Official Driving Experience. Karting Masters This is our version of an afternoon round It has been used by many leading race of golf! Each Tuesday, we create a circuit teams and sponsors as a venue for ride and let our professionally prepared 125cc days that also include practical elements, Rotax powered race karts stretch their without the restrictions of hiring a legs. traditional racing facility or sharing with competitors. Hitting 130kph just millimetres from the ground, Karting Masters is great fun and The Performance Driving Centre hosts a provides great networking opportunities. number of regular events that engage car Professional drivers are not allowed and enthusiasts and the corporate market: new drivers welcomed. Once racing’s over, everyone gets the chance to get W.A.R. (Wednesday Afternoon Racing) together and re-live the moment at trophy Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s presentations. performance car enthusiasts come together once a month to get the most Off-Road Racin’ out of their performance vehicles. Our 4WD facility allows for drivers to bring their own 4WDs or use one of our Lamborghini meets Aston Martin meets all terrain vehicles to get down and dirty. Ferrari, Porsche, Lexus and Nissan in a The Performance Driving Centre sets up number of high octane skill tests. a series of challenges for off-road racers may the best man win! Manufacturers are As part of the W.A.R. program, the welcome to bring their 4WD machines Performance Driving Centre places its and show off their true credentials! highly skilled instructors with the car owners so they can improve their skills