A Fresh Beginning for First Gear in 2026

The dates for the 2026 First Gear calendar have been officially announced, marking the return of this popular program for another year.

The inaugural First Gear event is set to kick off in Victoria at Sandown International Raceway on Saturday, 2 May.

Following that, the program will move to Western Australia for its second event, taking place on Sunday, 24 May at Perth’s MotorMall Wanneroo Raceway.

Aimed at participants aged 12 to 17, this program offers a clear pathway into motorsport, providing hands-on experience with vehicles supplied and ongoing support to help entrants compete regularly.

Now is the time to register for First Gear.

The complete list of First Gear events for 2026 is as follows:

First Gear offers an affordable and accessible avenue for getting involved, with appropriate road cars and driving instruction provided by Norwell Racing School, under the guidance of 2014 Bathurst 1000 champion Paul Morris.

Morris expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the sport through the new partnership between Motorsport Australia and Norwell Racing School.

“Motorsport has played a significant role in my life, providing me with countless opportunities. Now, I want to give back through Motorsport Australia’s First Gear and Girls on Track initiatives, helping others embark on their own thrilling motorsport journeys,” Morris shared.

“It’s crucial to ensure these foundational events are delivered nationally to the highest quality, truly reflecting what’s available in motorsport.”

“There are numerous pathways the upcoming generation can explore, and this is an exceptional way to learn the fundamentals of starting off in motorsport.

“Our team at Norwell is dedicated to giving individuals a chance and supporting them throughout their motorsport experiences.

“We are incredibly proud to assist Motorsport Australia in delivering the First Gear program on a national scale.”

Each event lasts for four hours, divided between morning and afternoon sessions.

Now is the time to register for First Gear.

The programme’s success is attributed to its effective instructor-to-participant ratio, ensuring that each individual has the opportunity to learn vital skills including vehicle control, braking techniques, road and motorsport safety, steering dynamics, and the physics of vehicle operation.

Once they have grasped the essentials of racing, participants will be well-equipped to advance into club level events.

It is advisable for participants to possess basic vehicle operating skills to fully benefit from their experience on the day.

This is an outstanding opportunity for young and aspiring drivers to connect with industry professionals in a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment.

Now is the time to register for First Gear.