MARC CARS ANNOUNCE STAND-ALONE AMRS SERIES

In 2022 the popular Australian-designed and engineered Marc Cars will have its own race series as part of the Australian Motor Racing Series Program (AMRS) program.

Currently, MARC Cars run as a class within the recently rebranded AMRS run Super GT Australia category as well as within the ever-popular Sports Sedan championships around the nation.

MARC Cars owner Geoff Taunton feels the move to a dedicated grid is the next step in catering for the growing customer base, however outlined those competitors can still continue racing in Super GT Australia.

“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.”

AMRS manager Matt Baragwanath said the professionalism of MARC Cars will make the series a valuable addition to the program next year.

“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.”

The original MARC Cars prototype was created in 2013 by Ryan McLeod and was a Ford Focus body, powered by a 5.0 litre Ford Coyote V8 engine

It proved to be a success and in the following years Mazda 3 bodyshell machines were also built.

In 2018 MARC Cars Australia launched the MARC II V8 machines, the second-generation model featuring a more powerful 5.2 litre version of the Coyote V8

The MARC II machine also ran with a more aerodynamic Mustang-inspired full carbon body, with a paddle-shift operated Albins 6-speed transaxle gearbox.

McLeod sold the business last year to Taunton, with experienced team manager Alyson Fradgley overseeing day-to-day operations.

Fradgley explained that the new MARC Cars category will be split into classes, one for MARC I machines and the other for the faster MARC II cars.

“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.”

The next round of AMRS will be held at Winton Raceway from July 16-18.

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