By Jolene Ogle
THE smell of burning rubber, the sounds of tyres skidding and engines revving are not usually associated with the House with No Steps, but once every six weeks the often calm Doonan site becomes a haven for car lovers.
On Sunday, 16 October the former learn-to-drive circuit was lined with safety cones, track marshalls took their place on the course and the first car took to the bitumen with the enthusiasm of a V8 supercar.
The race day is a result of the collaborative work between the House with No Steps, the Sunshine Coast Motor Sport Club and the Sunshine Beach Flexi School, who have come together to offer a safe place for thrill seekers to rev their engines.
Sunshine Coast Motor Sport Club (SCMSC) president Jay Underwood said the club was looking for a venue when they approached the House with No Steps, who were keen to welcome the club to the site.
House with No Steps area manager Linda Studley said hosting the race days are a great way to get exposure for the venue as well as raise funds for the organisation’s hospice and day care programs.
“We love when the community come and make use of the great space we have,” she said.
“We have a big hall available for hire and often, when a community group needs the space, we don’t charge a hire fee. We just love people using the space.”
Jay said the day is designed to get hooning off the streets and, with a minimum age of 13, the day gives kids something fun and constructive to do.
“I’m often hearing from kids they have nothing to do,” he said. “Well, they can come here and have fun without hurting people or property.”
The students from the Sunshine Beach Flexi School have also jumped on board the sport, volunteering on the day as well as entering their own car into the time trials on Sunday.
George Wikaira from the school helps the team maintain their car, which was donated by the Sunshine Coast Motor Sport Club.
Member for Noosa Glen Elmes, who was at the race day on Sunday, said the event is an opportunity to teach young people how to drive and is the perfect place for those who want to “spin their tyres” safely under supervision.
All cars that take part in the day must meet minimum safety requirements, are independently scrutineered and all drivers must have a race licence, wear the appropriate safety gear and carry a fire extinguisher.
Drivers can be as young as 13 and cars racing on the day ranged from $500 vehicles to race-ready $70,000 cars that were certainly spectacular to watch race around the tight course.
The next race day will be held on Sunday 27 November.
Entry for spectators is $10 per person until noon and anyone who would like to enter their car or who would like more information on the club can email scmsclub@gmail.com.
Anyone who would like more information on spaces for hire at the House with No Steps can phone the venue on 1300 538 746.
