MPC Adds Pro Bathurst 12H Audi for Jamec Racing

Photo: Bathurst 12 Hour

Melbourne Performance Centre has announced it will field a Pro class Audi entry in next month’s Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour in association with Jamec Racing.

Supercars star Broc Feeney, Audi-contracted Ricardo Feller and GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS champion Liam Talbot will share driving duties aboard the No. 183 Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II for the Intercontinental GT Challenge curtain-raiser.

The No. 183 car, whose number refers to the amount of current-generation R8s Audi has produced for GT3 competition, ensures that the Ingolstadt marque will be in contention for a fourth outright win in the Mount Panorama event.

While Feller has been part of the MPC Audi stable for the past three editions of the Bathurst 12H, Feeney makes the switch from the Triple Eight Race Engineering, having finished third overall in the team’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo in 2022.

“I’m thankful to Troy [Russell, MPC co-owner] and Steve [McLaughlin of Jamec Racing] for making it happen,” said Feeney.

“I was benched pretty late notice and I had my helmet off and was going to be sitting on the sidelines, so I couldn’t have been happier when the phone rang.

“It’s been an awesome event for me and being on the front row for the last two years has made it super special but it made it more painful to know I was missing out.

“It’s a great opportunity to get laps before the start of our [Supercars] season at a huge event and one of my favorites.”

The No. 183 Audi will run alongside the previously-confirmed MPC/Hallmarc Racing car that will be shared by Marc Cini, Lee Holdsworth and Dean Fiore.

Jamec Racing’s Steven McLaughlin said: “Initially we weren’t going to run – in the past we have had support from Audi however unfortunately they’ve wound down their factory support globally.

“The Audi was quite strong internationally throughout 2024 and once we knew we could secure Ricardo Feller we were able to put this program together.

“We know what he’s capable of on the mountain and we were only interested in running if we were in with a chance to win the race. We’re not there to make up the numbers.

“I knew about Broc and he’s done a great job last couple of years and has been equal to anyone at Mountain. Liam has a ton of experience in the car and will be right there.

“It won’t be equipment and won’t be drivers that puts us out of contention – if lady luck gets us into the last hour then we should be competitive.”