Supercars Boss introduces junior program ahead of GC600, says state backs the event

A junior program could help propel kids to supercar stardom on the Gold Coast as Supercars confirm they are in negotiations to bring back another event.

SUPERCARS Australia confirms they are shifting their focus for this year’s Gold Coast 600 event despite criticism from a local MP.

With a new Junior Development Program at Norwell Motorplex, potential night races and a possible relocation of the concert event, Supercars confirm they are in negotiations to reintroduce Stadium Super Trucks.

Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek told the Gold Coast Bulletin that interest in the event “has peaked.”

Supercars Acting CEO Shane Howard said despite these claims, the State Government were strong supporters of the GC600.

The Gold Coast 600 will see changes for the 2019 event.

MISS SUPERCARS AXED

“Governments don’t get behind sport or events if they’re not performing, for Mr Langbroek to say that I don’t think he’s in touch.

“The event itself is one of the highest performing events in Queensland and nationally,” Mr Howard said.

Supercars Australia will now set their focus on the new Junior Development Program in place of the Miss Supercars event.

The program will allow a foreseeable pathway for children to transition from Go Karting to Supercars and potentially the GC600.

Kids part of the Junior Development Program. Picture: supplied

Supercars and Karting Australia will work together to choose 30 of the country’s best Karters to mentor the young racers on the Gold Coast.

Broc Feeney, 16, was a catalyst for the program after arriving at the Norwell Motorplex in January 2018 having never driven a manual car.

Like most Supercars drivers, the Gold Coast boy comes from a Karting background and admits he did not have a direct next step.

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Junior racer Broc Feeney is a hopeful for the Supercars at only 16 years of age.

He now competes in the Super 3 category with an ultimate goal of racing Supercars in his home town at the GC600.

“It’s great to bring Karters into Supercars because they need a clear pathway of where to go, the next step can be confusing without having the right guidance” Mr Feeney said.