PERFORMANCE & RACING
LOVE AND JAMES COURTNEY JOIN BRT MANTA PERFORMANCE AARON Aaron and James will be on the grid with the EXHAUSTS Blanchard Racing Team in 2024 MPI Automotive says Manta is considered the best in aftermarket exhaust systems
One of the most common first steps a car owner takes to improve their vehicle is to upgrade to a performance exhaust, explains MPI Automotive. It says this is because vehicle manufacturers are limited by a variety of factors that don’t prioritise a vehicle’s power or sound. Car exhaust systems are designed so that they fit easily onto a vehicle as it is moving down an assembly line and are made of materials that keep the overall cost of the car down. They are also built to meet relevant emissions targets and noise requirements for any location the vehicle may be sold.
MPI Automotive explains that what this all means is that what you end up with from the factory is the addition of mufflers to keep the system quiet, as well as smaller pipe sizes for easier assembly and lower cost. So, when you are looking to add some power, sound and extra appeal to your vehicle, MPI Automotive says it doesn’t get much better than a performance exhaust. But with so many aftermarket car exhaust systems available, it can be hard to work out which is the best option for you. After all, you don’t want to end up with a system that is more trouble than they’re worth, with issues like poor fitment, low quality materials and limited warranties. That’s where Manta comes in, says MPI Automotive. “With none of the issues of cheaper, poor-quality alternatives, our systems are an investment that’s built right here in Australia and made to last,” MPI Automotive’s Shane Allen said. “Our exhaust systems don’t have manufacturers’ limitations; they are made using high quality materials and they are a perfect fit for your vehicle. “That all comes together to give you the sound and power you expect in your performance exhaust.” To learn more about Manta exhausts, visit www.mpiautomotive.com 96
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine November 2023
The Blanchard Racing Team (BRT) has confirmed its driver line-up for the 2024 Supercars Championship, with 2010 series champion James Courtney and rookie sensation Aaron Love joining forces for the upcoming season. While Aaron will step into the CoolDrive Auto Partsbacked #3 Ford Mustang, James will continue his association with Snowy River Caravans when he takes to the track in the #7 BRT entry. Since the formation of the standalone squad for 2021, BRT says it has punched above its weight in claiming 31 top-ten finishes to date. Aaron anchored the team’s Wildcard entry in the 2023 Supercar endurance races, which saw the squad grow to two cars in preparation for this permanent 2024 main-game expansion. The young gun also drove his Super2 entry to victory at the recent Bathurst event. For the Blanchard Racing Team, the combination of Aaron and James provides a complimentary mix of youth and experience. “It’s exciting to have Aaron and James on board as we take the next step in our development as a team,” said team Co-Principal, Tim Blanchard. “We are thrilled to welcome James and Snowy River Caravans to BRT on a multi-year agreement. Their combined passion for the sport will compliment BRT and help us achieve our goals. “We are also excited to watch Aaron develop as he has quickly proven himself as being one of Supercars’ hottest prospects. “Todd Hazelwood has been an important part of the BRT story to date, we thank him for his contribution to our development in 2023, and we hope to work with him again in the future.” James brings to BRT experience earned through a 19-year career that has resulted in 15 race wins and over 70 podium finishes from over 500 race starts. “It’s great to be able to confirm my partnership with BRT and continue to work with the crew at Snowy River Caravans,” James said. “I love the family-run dynamic of the team, and they have demonstrated they are committed to make the investment it takes to be a front-running outfit. “Pairing up with Aaron will be another exciting prospect. He is one of the rising stars of the Supercar ranks at the moment and I look forward to taking him under my wing as a mentor. I have no doubt he has the speed to really push me and the team forward. “Tim and John (Blanchard) are racers through and through, and it’s exciting to be a part of their next chapter.” Snowy River Caravans first connected with
Courtney in April last year, and the brand’s new home in Supercars will grow what is already a successful involvement in the sport. “It’s fantastic that Snowy River Caravans is able to continue our partnership with James and the Supercars championship with our move to BRT,” Regent Caravans Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Andrew Crank, said. “When we initially entered the sport, we found that it is a perfect fit for the Snowy River business. Motorsport fans love caravanning and adventure, which has been proven time and time again at events we have visited around the country. “James is a champion driver and a favourite amongst fans and he is now a proud caravanning advocate. “Over the past 18 months, his efforts on and off track have been able to grow the brand in ways that can’t be replicated. “We wish him and the team every success in 2024.” Aaron meanwhile shot to prominence with his performances in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, where in 2019, at the age of 17, he became the youngest competitor in the history of the class. In 2022, he dovetailed international commitments with a local Porsche drive, where he claimed a total of 12 wins from 18 starts on Australian soil, prior to joining BRT at the start of this season. “I’m extremely grateful and excited to be given this opportunity to continue with BRT into 2024,” Aaron said. “Even though I’ve only been a part of BRT for just under a year , I’ve got a lot of confidence in them and know they’ll do everything in their power to keep building the team and strive for success. To be a part of that journey really excites me. “Although we’ve had an up and down season so far in 2023, I think we’ve shown some really promising performances, but there is still work to do. “It’s definitely going to be a challenge to step up, but to do it with like-minded people is rare. I’m very happy to be surrounded by a team who are all working to the same objective.” For further information on the Blanchard Racing Team and CoolDrive Racing, visit www.blanchardracingteam.com.au
