V8 Supercar racing school going corporate

The V8 Supercar school created by Paul Morris and Marcos Ambrose has always been a hit with the rev-heads.

Replica V8 Supercar Holdens and Fords have largely preached to the converted since they were established in 2004.

Now the business has grown so much that it is being overtaken by corporate customers rather than the hardcore racing fan.

The school that operates ride and drive packages on the 2.1km Norwell Performance Driving Circuit near the Gold Coast has become the alternative to corporate golf days for many businesses.

"When we started the school most customers were motorsport fans who wanted a blast behind the wheel or hot lap passenger rides but now our corporate bookings are growing rapidly," said Morris, whose Sirromet V8 Supercar team is based at the facility.

"Many companies now view the school as an alternative to traditional corporate golf days or something to add to a sales convention."

More than 6000 people have gone through the school since the concept began with the corporate component accounting for a much larger slice of the action.

There are highly flexible programs available at the facilities set among the sugar cane fields of the region with groups of 10 to 120 people accommodated.

Prices range from $135 to $60 each depending on the type of activity and based on the use of the track, driving instructors and catering.

"We are increasing our marketing to corporate groups and it's paying off,'' Morris said.

"At the same time we have a solid customer base of both local and interstate motorsport fans who appreciate the chance to do and see things that are not possible when spectating at V8 Supercar events.''

The base cost gets you four laps as a passenger while driving packages vary from three to 15 laps.

Six cars built for the school feature a roll cage, race seats and harness, short-throw gearboxes and 18in wheels shod with Michelin racing slick rubber.