Reigning Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS winning team Melbourne Performance Centre is the largest operation in pit lane and at Phillip Island’s opening it was a perfect time to get the lowdown on what makes this operation tick.
Having raced in the GT category for more than 20 years, MPC is largely known as Australia’s factory Audi Sport concern having aided the marque to multiple Bathurst 12 Hour wins and titles since entering the first generation R8 GT3 for Mark Eddy in 2010.
This R8 GT3 was the first to be sold outside of Europe as MPC’s relationship with Audi Sport grew from then on as it supported the brand’s factory attack on the Bathurst 12 Hour before taking it on some years later.
Factory aces including Christopher Haase, Kelvin van der Linde, Christopher Mies, Christer Jons, Markus Winkelhock, Miguel Molina, Marcel Fassler and most recently Max Hofer have all raced for the team at some stage as Audi Sport entrusted MPC as its Australian arm.
This season marks MPC’s 20th in motor racing as it continues to lead the Audi brand to victory as New Zealand pair Tim Miles and Brendon Leitch greeted the chequered flag in Race 2 as Ash Samadi did likewise in Am Class.
Running five entries this season in Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS requires a lot of equipment in which MPC bring three B-Double trucks containing data stations, parts, tools, flooring, pit walling and anything else required to run a seamless weekend at the racetrack.
Bringing along 35 personnel ensures MPC is the biggest operation in pit lane and continues to be arguably the most successful team in Australian GT racing.
The Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS season continues at The Bend Motorsport Park on May 31-June 2 as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries.