MARC Cars auction 12-hour Rossi roof for charity

In tribute to Valentino Rossi's debut in the race, the roof of the team's MARC I Mazda entry will sport Rossi's iconic 'The Doctor' logo and his iconic MotoGP helmet that famously featured his face in full view when crouched over the handlebars of his MotoGP bike.

Every driver competing in the 2023 race will sign the roof of the MARC Cars entry following today's drivers briefing, with the roof to then be removed and auctioned for charity post-event.

Pirelli will also supply a used tyre from Rossi's BMW M Team WRT entry that will be signed and also offered as part of the auction.

All proceeds will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charity post event.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is an independent charity that helps over 46,000 seriously ill or injured children and their families each year.    

The cornerstone Program of RMHC, the Ronald McDonald House, provides a ‘home away from home’ for families of seriously ill or injured children being treated at nearby hospitals.

The Ronald McDonald Houses keep families close by giving parents and siblings the opportunity to stay together to support their sick loved ones. RMHC currently has 18 Ronald McDonald Houses throughout Australia and accommodated over 9,000 families in 2021. 

MARC Cars Australia will enter two cars in the 12-Hour this year within a broader six-car fleet competing at the event.

Their MARC II entry will be driven by Keith Kassulke, Hadrian Morrall and third-generation driver Cameron McLeod, while the Marc I Mazda will be raced by Darren Currie, Grant Donaldson and Geoff Taunton.

It will be the first time in four years that a first-generation MARC 1 racer - that made its debut at Mount Panorama in the 2014 12-Hour - will have competed in the 12-Hour.

Four other MARC Cars entries will compete in the Combined Sedans support races on Friday and Saturday.

Mason Kelly - the son of Bathurst winner Todd and Tony Groves will drive cars prepared by Milldun Motorsport, while Frank Mammarella (MARC 1) and Geoff Taunton (MARC II) will also race.

From 5PM today, bid in the online auction, click here.

MATT BARAGWANATH - Team Manager, MARC Cars Australia. 

"MARC Cars is proud to be part of such a worthy cause towards charity," he said.

"There are a lot of two-wheeled racing fans in our team and we needed to find an appropriate way to celebrate Valentino's debut at Mount Panorama. This way we can do that and also support a great cause in the process."

SHANE RUDZIS - Bathurst 12 Hour Event Director

"When MARC Cars Australia came to us with this idea we jumped at the chance to support it. It's a novel idea and very generous on their behalf to support our event charity.

"It's a brilliant idea for a great cause and also fully embraced by Valentino and his team.

"It's another way to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the amazing work they do."