NEW OWNERS OF MARC CARS AUSTRALIA CONFIRMED

Geoff Taunton is one of the new owners of MARC Cars Australia. Image Ross Gibb

Geoff Taunton and his GJ Motorsport operation has announced confirmation of the purchase of MARC Cars Australia ahead of this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour.

By HEATH McALPINE

Taunton, alongside Team Manager Alyson Fradgley have purchased the company, which was founded in 2013 by Ryan McLeod and has since manufactured 26 chassis split across both MARC I Ford Focus and Mazda 3, plus the MARC II V8.

GJ Motorsport were the first customer supported team of MARC Cars Australia with Taunton a competitor in first a MARC I Ford Focus in 2015, before upgrading to a MARC II V8 four years later.

The Bathurst 12 Hour will be the first-time GJ Motorsport will run as the MARC factory team, but not much will change as Taunton and Fradgley will continue to utilise the manufacturer’s suppliers that have been involved with the project previously and support the 26 MARC chassis that compete in various events worldwide.

A new workshop will be based out of Nerang on the Gold Coast.

Taunton is keen to continue MARC Cars Australia’s growth, including the possibility of a one-make formula for the cars in the near-future and a tie in with Supercars team Matt Stone Racing.

“I have been involved as an owner of a MARC I and MARC II car since 2015 and have watched it grow from strength to strength both domestically and internationally,” Taunton said.

“We are just at the beginning of our plans for future growth but ultimately the goal is to see more MARC Cars on the grid and we will be working towards a stand-alone MARC Series in the near future. We are working closely with Matt Stone Racing to establish an apprenticeship program for young drivers to develop their skills with time in a MARC Car prior to stepping into Super2 cars.

“MARC Cars have always been built as an affordable car to race and we want to continue that. Our focus is to provide great customer service to the current and new owners of MARC Cars.

We will continue to source our parts from local suppliers and will be working closely with PACE Innovations to keep improving the current cars and the possibility of a MARC III is already in discussion.

“We have put together a great management team – Alyson has been involved with MARC Cars since the beginning and is very passionate about the team and cars, so she will be a valuable asset for the management of the company. In addition, we have recruited Bobby Ervin, who has a wealth of knowledge in the industry and will be a key member of the team as our technical manager, which includes management of our engine program.

“Fradgley has watched the growth of MARC Cars Australia first hand since McLeod began the concept and believes the ‘bang for your buck’ package MARC provides will continue to be popular with racers globally.

“It is a great honour to be in partnership with Geoff for a company and team that I have dedicated so much time to in previous years,” said Fradgley.

“Being involved with the MARC Cars team since 2014, I have experienced racing both in Australia and overseas and the passion and enthusiasm towards the MARC Cars is unbelievable so it will be exciting to see how far we can go in the future. ”

“There are 26 MARC Cars racing around the world and it is important that we continue supporting them moving forward. We will continue to produce a quality race car to the highest standard and provide our customers with great service.”

Former owner McLeod wished the new team luck in taking over the new venture.

“It’s a tribute to the MARC Car program that one of our long-term customers and racers has seen how it all works and has decided to invest in the exciting the future for the whole MARC Cars concept. I want to wish Geoff and his team all the best for the future,” McLeod told Auto Action.

Taunton will race at Bathurst next weekend alongside the experienced Warren Luff, 16-year-old Bayley Hall and Bathurst local Brad Schumacher.

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