New Zealand duo Tim Miles and Brendon Leitch will mount a full-season attack on the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS in a Melbourne Performance Centre-prepared Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2.
Gold Coast-based businessman Miles has previously featured at rounds of Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS notably being partnered by Jack Smith in the three hour event at the Bathurst International in 2022.
Vastly experienced in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia racing in the Pro-Am Class, Miles also contested a full-season of Australian GT campaign in 2017 driving a Lamborghini Gallardo R-EX GT3.
As for Leitch, he comes off a victory in the final round of the Asian Le Mans Series at Yas Marina in a Lamborghini and brings extensive global GT racing experience to the partnership.
The 28-year-old has won races in Lamborghini’s Super Trofeo Europe Series and later finished third in the world final, while has been acknowledged as one of New Zealand’s recent talented exports joining the likes of Liam Lawson.
Leitch will base himself in Sydney after being situated in Europe for many seasons.
Combining with reigning Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS winning team Melbourne Performance Centre in one of its fleet of Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2s adds depth to the category as it enters Round 1 at Phillip Island on April 12-14 as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries.
QUOTES
Tim Miles
MPC Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2
“The GT calendar really appealed to me. Thursday testing is great, and the cars are a heap of fun to drive with all the downforce and electronic aids that give you confidence," said Miles.
“I haven’t been to Phillip Island for a number of years, same with Sydney Motorsport Park, so for me, going back to those places is really appealing.
"The calendar is perfect for GT race cars – Tailem Bend, Phillip Island and Bathurst immensely suit the GT cars.
“Having a young Kiwi bloke that I’ve known for many years is going to be really fun too. Brendon is blinding fast and trying to forge a career in Europe and has a number of races over there but not enough to constitute a year.
“I drove with him in Highlands 6 Hour and I was really impressed. I was keen to partner with him, help him get into the Australian scene and hopefully do a good job of showcasing himself close to home.”
Brendon Leitch
MPC Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2
“I’m really excited to be driving with Tim and MPC. It’s my first time racing in Australia, so I’m looking forward to racing in GT World Challenge and having some fun,” said Leitch.
“Coming over to Australia gives me the chance to tick off some bucket list race tracks and for the first round to be at Phillip Island, it’s really cool.
“I’ve done a lot of simulator laps at Phillip Island. It’s an amazing track. I’ve been to the track before, but I was only four years old, so racing there will be a whole new challenge.
“The GT World Challenge field looks competitive. There is some strong competition there. But having Tim is a great bonus. He has lots of experience and is one of the best Am drivers going around. I think we have a really good shot at winning, but It all needs to come together. I’m really excited for the season and I can’t wait for it to get underway.”