MERCEDES-BENZ POWER FOR MATT STONE RACING
A new Mercedes-Benz Actros will pull the Yatala squad’s Supercars B-Double.
Image: Frank Karlovecz
Matt Stone Racing is set to run a new Mercedes Actros 2663 prime mover for the reminder of the 2019 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship season via a partnership with Daimler Trucks Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast-based dealership is part of Automotive Holdings Group (AHG).
Superseding the team’s aging Kenworth, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Actros 2663 is equipped with a 625-horsepower engine and all the features the team’s truck driver, Donny MacGregor, could poke a stick at.
We caught up with Donny earlier today to get his verdict before the new rig boarded the Toll ship to Tasmania.
“It’s been great to drive down from Queensland with features like radar-adaptive cruise control and all the other bells and whistles. Some I haven’t even had a chance to suss out yet,” said Donny.
Image: VooDoo Vinyl and Signs
“It’s been quiet, comfy and very well laid out for the driver. It’s an automatic where the old Kenworth was a manual, so you just select drive and then drive away! It’s years ahead when it comes to sophistication. Everything is computerised and you can really feel that.”
When prompted about the manufacturer switch, Donny is more than happy to champion the iconic Mercedes-Benz emblem.
“It’s really cool to have the Mercedes badge on the front. It’s a very prestigious badge to have on any sort of vehicle and immediately has that luxurious feel to back it up.”
It’s not the only change to the Matt Stone Racing setup with a new wrap from Voodoo Vinyl and Signs commenced on both trailers last week. The finishing touches will go on after the Supercars south-east swing.
Image: VooDoo Vinyl and Signs
You can check out the new European addition to the paddock in tomorrow’s Supercars Transporter Parade through Launceston.