The proudly Australian-designed and engineered MARC Cars will have their very own racing platform next season, MARC Cars Australia management announcing an agreement with the Australian Motor Racing Series (AMRS) to run as a stand-alone category for the 2022 season.
MARC Cars currently run as a sub-class within Super GT Australia and have also competed within Sports Sedans. At the top level, MARC Cars have also enjoyed success in prestigious endurance events such as the Bathurst 12 Hour, where they have achieved class victories.
The MARC Cars concept was born in 2013, when respected motorsport engineer Ryan McLeod built the first prototype – a Ford Focus body, powered by a 5.0 Litre Ford Coyote V8 engine. Over the following years, further MARC Cars were constructed, including versions with a Mazda3 bodyshell.
In 2018, MARC Cars Australia launched the MARC II V8, the second-generation model featuring a more powerful 5.2L version of the Coyote V8 along with other updates such as a Mustang inspired full carbon body, paddle-shift operated Albins 6-speed transaxle gearbox and GT-style aerodynamics.
Ryan McLeod sold the successful MARC Cars Australia business in 2020, to long-time racer and enthusiast Geoff Taunton, with experienced team manager Alyson Fradgley overseeing day-to-day operations.
Taunton said the move to a dedicated grid is the next step in catering for MARC Cars Australia’s growing customer base.
“As a local operation, we pride ourselves on building close relationships with our customers and catering for their specific needs,” Taunton said.
“A lot of our customers enjoy endurance racing and some have competed at premier races in this country, like the Bathurst 12 Hour, as well as taking their cars overseas and competing in some of the world’s most prestigious international events.
“Locally, there was a desire from our car owners to race exclusively against people with identical equipment, so we’re very appreciative the AMRS has enabled us to run a category exclusively for MARC Cars in 2022.
“Of course, owners of MARC Cars will be able to continue racing in Super GT Australia if they so desire.”
Fradgley said the 2022 MARC Cars Australia Series will include both MARC I and II models on the eligibility list.
“We’ll be opening the field up to both Marc I and II vehicles competing for their own championship within separate classes, as well as giving our competitors plenty of track time with multiple practice sessions and 60min races over the weekend,” Fradgley said.
“The feedback we’ve received indicates it will be a popular series, we’ve already fielded enquiries from a number of competitors including young drivers who want to taste a V8 race car at an affordable level before moving up through the ranks.
“Our workshop has both MARC II & MARC I Chassis’ available for build prior to the launch of the series next year so we are eager to welcoming new car owners into the MARC family.”
AMRS Series Manager Matt Baragwanath said the professionalism of the MARC Cars organisation will make the series a valuable addition to the program next season.
“MARC Cars Australia’s interactions with their customers very much embody the core values of the AMRS – respect, engagement, value, fun and innovation,” Baragwanath said.
“They pride themselves on forming close relationships with those who purchase and race their cars, so it’s fitting we work with them to meet the desires of their customers.
“We look forward to the MARC Cars Australia Series producing enjoyable racing for its competitors and an entertaining show for our spectators.”
Further information on MARC Cars Australia is available at their website: marccarsaustralia.com.au.
The next round of the AMRS, which will include MARC Cars competing in Super GT Australia, will be held at Winton Raceway on 16-18 July.
